University  of  California  •  Berkeley 


MABEL    YAUGHAN 


BY  THE  AUTHOR  OF  "THE  LAMPLIGHTER.' 


BOSTON: 

PUBLISHED  BY  JOHN  P.  JEWETT  AND  COMPANY.. 

CLETELAND,   OHIO: 
HENKY    P.    B.    JEWETT. 

LONDON  : 

SAMPSON    LOW,    SON    &    CO. 
1857. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1857,  by 

JOHN  P.  JEWETT  AND  COMPANY, 
In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  Mie  District  Court  for  the  District  of  Massachusetts 


LITHOTYPED    BY   COWLES  AND    COMPANY, 

Office  of  American  Stereotype  Company, 

PHCENIX   BUILDING,   BOSTON. 

Priated  by  G.  C.  Rand  &  Ayery. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN. 


CHAPTER    I. 

Fear  is  the  virtue  of  slaves;  but  the  heart  that  loveth  is  willing; 
Perfect  was,  before  God,  and  perfect  is  Love,  and  Love  only. 

LONGFELLOW'S  TEGXER. 

ON  a  pleasant  midsummer's  afternoon,  a  middle-aged  lady, 
with  a  mild  and  thoughtful  face,  sat  alone  in  her  quiet  parlor, 
busily  engaged  in  sewing.  It  was  a  country  home  in  which 
she  dwelt,  and  her  low  window  opened  directly  into  a  green 
and  sloping  orchard,  now  fragrant  with  new-mown  hay,  the 
sweet  breath  of  which  was  borne  in  on  every  passing  breeze. 
&he  was  a  woman  of  many  cares,  and  but  little  leisure,  and  for 
more  than  an  hour  had  not  lifted  her  eyes  from  her  work, 
when,  suddenly  attracted  by  the  merry  voices  of  children,  she 
arrested  herself  in  the  act  of  setting  a  stitch,  and,  with  her 
needle  still  poised  between  finger  and  thumb,  leaned  her  elbow 
on  the  window-sill  and  for  several  minutes  gazed  earnestly  and 
attentively  upon  a  little  group  collected  beneath  an  opposite 
tree.  They  were  too  far  off  for  their  words  to  be  distinguish- 
able, but  happiness  shone  in  their  faces,  mirth  rang  in  their 
careless  shout,  and  joy  danced  in  all  their  motions.  Whether 
chasing  the  light  butterfly,  pelting  each  other  with  tufts  of  hay, 
or,  in  the  very  exuberance  of  their  spirits,  scampering  without 
purpose  or  rest  in  the  sunshine,  they  were  in  every  view  pict- 
ures of  infant  glee,  cheering  and  happy  sights  to  a  mother's 
heart.  Though  now  and  then  smiling  on  their  sport,  however, 
the  gentle-faced  lady  at  the  window  was  watching  them  with  a 


M555075 


6  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

more  thoughtful  and  observant  gaze  than  the  occasion  seemea 
to  warrant,  for  she  saw  amid  their  play  what  a  less  careful  eye 
might  have  failed  to  discern,  and  from  it  she  drew  a  moral. 

Three  among  this  little  group,  were  her  own  children ;  but 
•while  they  shared  her  notice,  and  from  time  to  time  excited 
her  sympathy  in  their  innocent  enjoyment,  it  was  not  by  them 
that  her  thoughts  were  at  this  time  peculiarly  engrossed. 

There  was  among  them  a  fourth,  who,  although  not  hers  by 
the  tie  of  nature,  might  almost  be  said  to  have  become  so  by 
adoption,  since  she  had  now  been  three  years  under  her  roof, 
with  the  prospect  of  continuing  there  for  an  indefinite  period ; 
and  it  was  on  this  little  girl,  who  stood  to  her  in  the  relation 
of  a  pupil,  that  the  teacher's  thoughtful  atiention  was  fixed. 

She  was  between  eleven  and  twelve  years  of  age,  and  the 
eldest  of  the  little  band;  a  bright,  rosy-cheeked,  animated 
child,  of  a  lively,  adventurous  spirit,  the  invariable  leader 
in  every  youthful  pastime.  But  on  the  present  occasion 
she  seemed  only  partially  to  share  in  the  sport,  for  after 
every  outburst  of  glee  in  which  she  indulged,  far  outdoing  her 
companions  in  extravagant  merriment,  and  inciting  them  to 
new  hilarity,  she  would  hastily  resume  her  seat  at  the  foot  of 
an  old  apple-tree,  snatch  a  well-worn  book  from  the  grass  where 
she  had  thrown  it,  and  appear  for  a  time  wholly  engrossed  in 
study.  Her  fits  of  diligence,  however,  were  but  short  lived. 
At  the  first  temptation  held  out  by  her  companions,  she  would 
again  fling  aside  the  volume,  spring  to  her  feet,  and  bound  with 
them  to  the  farthest  corner  of  the  orchard,  from  which  excur- 
sion she  would  return,  heated,  weary,  and  out  of  breath.  Now 
a  mischievous  urchin  had  stolen  her  bonnet,  and  dared  her  to 
its  recovery ;  and  now  a  pet  rabbit  had  just  rushed  past,  and 
she  must  follow  with  the  others  in  full  pursuit.  It  was  in  vain 
that  after  each  fresh  interruption  she  applied  herself  anew  to 
her  lesson,  and  placing  her  fingers  to  her  ears,  strove  to  shut 
out  the  bewildering  voices  of  her  playmates.  The  effort,  after 
all,  was  but  a  mock  endeavor,  for  her  heart  was  anywhere  but 
in  her  book  ;  and,  at  length,  an  unseen  hand  having  snatched 
the  much  abused  grammar  from  her  lap  and  thrown  it  over  the 


MADEL    VAUGHAN.  7 

boundary  wall,  the  unwilling  student  felt  a  sense  of  relief  at  its 
disappearance,  and  was  the  first  to  raise  the  shout  of  approval 
that  succeeded. 

Just  at  this  moment  a  bell  sounded,  and  with  a  glance  of 
surprise  and  alarm  in  the  direction  of  the  house,  the  girl  has- 
tened to  recover  the  book  and  proceed  to  her  recitation,  for 
which  this  was  the  signal. 

She  came  into  the  presence  of  her  instructress  with  a  flushed 
face,  and,  in  place  of  her  recent  smiles,  a  half-mortified,  half- 
vexed  expression. 

The  teacher  took  the  book  from  her  pupil's  hand  without 
comment,  and  commenced  hearing  the  lesson,  which,  as  mav 
well  be  pposed,  proved  a  failure  in  the  very  onset. 

The  child  stood  in  silence  for  a  few  moments,  and  then  said, 
while  tears  of  impatience  rushed  into  her  eyes,  "  I  can't  leara 
th!s  lesson,  Mrs.  Herbert,  it  is  too  hard." 

"  You  have  not  tried,  Mabel,"  said  Mrs.  Herbert,  mildiy. 

"  Yes  I  have,"  answered  Mabel :  "  I  have  tried  just  as  hard 
as  I  could,  and  I  can't  learn  it.  I  wish  I  need  n't  study  Latin." 

"  Were  you  studying,  my  dear,  when  you  lay  for  ten  minutes 
b.id  in  the  hay,  while  the  children  tried  in  vain  to  find  you,  or 
tfhen  you  stood  on  the  highest  bough  of  a  cherry-tree  and 
trained  your  eyes  with  looking  into  a  robin's  nest  ?  " 

Mabel  gave  a  quick  glance  out  of  the  window  from  whence 
she  had  thus  been  observed,  then  looked  up  into  the  friendly 
face  of  Mrs.  Herbert,  and  seeing  there  a  smile,  which  invited 
confidence  and  disarmed  her  of  timidity,  exclaimed,  with  natural 
and  childlike  frankness,  "  How  could  I  study  any  better,  when 
they  were  all  having  such  a  good  time  ?  " 

"  Ah  I  that  is  the  true  secret  of  the  matter,"  said  Mrs.  Her- 
bert, drawing  Mabel  towards  her  and  wiping  the  moisture  from 
the  child's  heated  brow.  "  I  have  been  watching  you  for  this 
half  hour,- and  knew  very  well  how  it  would  be  with  the  lesson. 
Do  you  remember  what  I  told  you  about  it  this  morning  ?  " 

"  You  said  it  was  hard,  the  hardest  thing  in  the  book." 

"  Not  exactly,  my  dear ;  I  told  you,  to  be  sure,  that  it  was 
more  difficult  than  any  task  you  had  yet  attempted ;  but,  at  the 


8  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

same  time,  I  assured  you  that  with  a  little  patience  you  could 
quickly  learn  it,  and  that  this  verb  once  mastered,  all  the  rest 
would  seem  comparatively  easy.  I  did  not  promise,  however, 
that  you  would  find  the  orchard  a  good  place  to  study  in,  or 
that  the  noise  of  the  children  would  help  you  to  fix  your 
thoughts  on  your  book.  You  should  have  gone  to  your  own 
room,  shut  the  door,  and  made  up  your  mind  to  apply  yourself 
diligently  for  an  hour  at  least.  Will  you  do  so  now  ?  " 

Mabel  hesitated,  gave  a  longing  look  at  her  recent  play- 
ground, and  then  cast  down  her  eyes,  which  were  fast  filling 
with  tears. 

After  waiting  in  vain  for  a  reply,  Mrs.  Herbert  passed  her 
arm  round  the  waist  of  her  pupil,  fixed  her  mild  eyes  upon  her 
face  with  a  look  which  enforced  attention,  and  gently  but  forci- 
bly made  use  of  such  arguments  as  were  most  likely  to  excite 
her  ambition  and  prompt  her  to  the  necessary  effort.  The  girl 
was  possessed  of  excellent  capacity,  but  had  not  yet  formed 
habits  of  application,  and  needed  powerful  motives  to  stimulate 
ner  to  exertion.  These  Mrs.  Herbert  was  able  to  supply,  and 
soon  had  the  satisfaction  of  witnessing  the  effect  produced  by 
her  words,  for  Mabel  gradually  withdrew  from  her  side,  straight- 
ened her  figure  with  a  determined  air,  and  exclaimed,  with 
energy,  " I  suppose  I  can  learn  it,  and  I  will" 

"And  remember,"  said'  Mrs.  Herbert,  as  she  bestowed  a 
glance  of  affectionate  interest  and  approval  upon  her  hastily 
retreating  pupil,  "  remember  for  your  encouragement  what  I 
told  you  yesterday,  that  the  more  perfectly  you  learn  this  one 
lesson,  the  easier  will  every  future  task  become." 

It  was  the, verb  amare —  to  love  —  of  the  first  regular  con- 
jugation, and  a  formidable  task  did  it  appear  in  Mabel's  eyes. 

She  was,  however,  possessed  of  an  excellent  memory,  and 
every  requisite  for  successful  study,  and  bringing,  as  she  now 
did,  her  whole  heart  to  the  labor,  she  was  able  in  less  than  the 
allotted  time,  to  overcome  all  its  difficulties. 

Before  the  hour  had  expired,,  she  presented  herself  once 
more,  grammar  in  hand,  and  her  face  bright  with  smiles,  to 
beg  that  Mrs.  Herbert  would  hear  her  recite,  assuring  her 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  9 

that  she  knew  every  word  perfectly,  and  had  twice  repeated 
the  synopsis  to  herself  without  looking  on  the  book.  It  was 
true,  and  the  young  student  went  triumphantly  through  the 
lesson. 

"  And  see,"  exclaimed  she,  as,  after  receiving  the  praise  her 
efforts  had  merited,  she  took  the  grammar  from  her  teacher's 
hand,  "  it  is  just  as  you  said.  I  have  been  looking  at  the  verb 
that  comes  next,  and  it  is  so  much  like  this  that  it  will  not  be 
hard  at  all,"  and  Mabel  eagerly  pointed  out  the  tokens  of  simi- 
larity. 

Mrs.  Herbert,  smiling  at  the  little  girl's  earnestness,  sug- 
gested still  further  marks  of  resemblance,  congratulated  Mabel 
upon  the  advantage  she  had  gained,  and  then,  laying  her  hand 
upon  the  child's  shoulder,  said,  impressively,  "  And  so  it  is  with 
life,  my  dear  Mabel.  The  great  lesson  of  love  once  learned, 
learned  patiently,  truly,  and  with  the  whole  heart,  not  carelessly 
scanned,  or  foolishly  toyed  with,  but  diligently  received  into 
the  soul,  and  planted  there  forever  —  this  lesson  will  relieve  all 
life's  trials  and  illumine  all  its  mysteries.  But,  believe  me, 
my  child,  it  is  seldom  learned  amid  life's  sunshine  and  its  joy. 
Its  teachings  come  to  us  in  the  silent  chambers  of  thought, 
when  noise  is  shut  out,  and  the  voice  of  mirth  for  a  time  is 
stilled,  and  eager  pleasure  gives  place  to  patient  duty.  While 
chasing  the  butterflies  of  folly,  or  wasting  the  summer  hours  in 
play,  we  cannot  take  life's  great  lesson  to  heart ;  but,  planted 
perhaps  in  sorrow,  and  nourished  perhaps  in  tears,  it  will  one 
day  blossom  in  joy  and  peace.  Rouse  yourself  to  this  last 
lesson,  Mabel,  bring  to  it  your  soul's  best  powers,  pursue  it 
with  the  energy  which  has  been  victorious  to-day,  and  I  shall 
have  no  fear  for  your  future." 

Mabel  did  not  quite  understand  at  the  time,  the  full  force  of 
these  spontaneous  words,  which,  prompted  by  earnest  feeling, 
took  rather  the  form  of  soliloquy,  than  an  address  suited  to 
the  child's  years.  But  they  were  not  lost  upon  her.  Like 
seeds  of  future  promise,  they  were  planted  in  her  young  heart; 
memory  kept  them  warm,  and  at  last,  matured  by  time,  they 
brought  forth  fruits  unto  righteousness. 


10  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

And  once  again.  When  Mabel  had  reached  her  eighteenth 
year,  and  the  summons  had  at  length  been  received,  which  was 
to  call  the  pupil  from  the  teacher  who,  during  more  than  half 
of  the  young  girl's  existence,  had  been  to  her  less  an  instruc- 
tress than  a  parent,  words  of  a  similar  import  were  the  last 
warning  and  the  last  charge  which  fell  from  the  revered  lips 
of  age  and  experience  upon  the  listening  ear  of  youth. 

"  Learn  above  all  things,  my  dear  girl,"  said  Mrs  Herbert, 
as  they  sat  together  the  evening  before  Mabel's  departure, 
"  to  beware  of  self-love,  and  cultivate  to  the  utmost  degree  a 
universal  charity.  It  is  the  best  advice  I  can  give  you  for 
your  safety,  and  the  surest  for  your  happiness." 

"  Do  you  think  me  so  selfish  then  ?  "  exclaimed  Mabel,  half 
grieved  at  the  implication  conveyed  in  her  teacher's  words. 
"  Oh,  there  are  so  many  whom  I  love  better  than  myself! " 

"  I  accuse  you  of  no  unamiable  quality,  my  dear  Mabel,  and 
your  generosity  has  always  been  proverbial  among  us ;  but, 
when  I  charge  you  to  cultivate  love  for  others,  even  to  the  for- 
getfulness  of  self,  you  must  not  misunderstand  my  meaning. 
It  is  because  it  is  so  easy  and  natural  to  you,  my  dear  child,  to 
love  all  and  everybody,  that  I  wish  to  warn  you  of  a  time, 
when,  instead  of  being  your  happiness,  and  so  demanding  of 
you  no  sacrifice,  it  may  become  your  trial  and  your  misery ; 
and  it  is  then  that  I  bid  you  love  on  as  woman  can  and  must. 
O,  Mabel,  there  is  nothing  so  insidious  as  self-love,  nothing  so 
noble  and  so  womanly  as  that  divine  love  which  finds  its  hap- 
piness in  duty." 

Mrs  Herbert's  voice  trembled  with  emotion  as  she  spoke, 
and  had  anything  been  wanting  to  impress  her  words  upon 
Mabel's  heart,  that  want  would  have  been  supplied  when  she 
looked  in  the  face  of  her  revered  friend,  and  felt  that  the  les- 
son she  was  now  so  earnestly  imparting,  was  one  taught  her  by 
experience  and  proved  by  faithful  practice. 

Amid  the  pain  of  parting  with  old  friends,  and  the  joys  and 
hopes  attendant  upon  her  entrance  into  a  new  home,  this  les- 
son, and  that  equally  impressive  one  of  her  early  childhood 
which  it  had  served  to  call  up,  were  both  for  a  time  effaced 


MABEL   VAUGHAN.  11 

from  Mabel's  recollection.  But  they  were  not  lost.  There 
are  lessons  which  penetrate  our  hearts  like  Heaven-sent  whis- 
perings, lessons,  simply  spoken,  scarce  heeded  when  uttered, 
but  proving  by  their  deep  and  lasting  influence  that  they  have 
their  source  in  the  eternal  fountain  of  truth. 

And  so  it  was  with  these  simple  teachings  of  a  faithful,  true- 
hearted  woman.  It  was  not  the  power  with  which  they  were 
spoken,  it  was  not  eloquence  nor  a  passion-stirring  voice,  nor 
was  it  the  effect  of  time  or  circumstance,  that  stamped  them  so 
indelibly  on  Mabel's  heart,  but  nevertheless  they  struck  upon 
a  chord  within,  which  thrilled  at  the  word,  and  vibrating 
through  many  years,  reminded  her  again  and  again  of  the 
Heavenly  lesson  which  her  soul  needed  for  its  purification. 

It  was  long  before  the  page  fully  unfolded  itself  on  which  that 
lesson  of  love  was  written,  and  only  by  years  of  patient  striv- 
ing were  its  difficulties  overcome ;  but  often  amid  the  struggle 
did  memory  whisper  in  Mabel's  ear  the  encouraging  assurance, 
that  this  task  once  learned,  the  rest  of  life's  path  would  be 
made  easy. 

And  is  it  not  so  ?  Is  not  woman's  mission  truly  a  mission 
of  love  ?  And  can  she  fail  to  fulfil  all  its  duties  nobly,  and 
find  all  its  trials  lightened  and  relieved  when  she  has  once 
taken  to  heart  that  lesson,  once  fortified  herself  with  that  spirit 
so  beautifully  exemplified  in  Him  whose  life  on  earth  was  a 
glorious  manifestation  of  love  made  perfect? 


CHAPTER    II. 

A  lovely  being  scarcely  formed  or  moulded, 
A  rose  with  all  its  sweetest  leaves  yet  folded. 

BTEON. 

MABEL  Vaughan  was  the  daughter  of  a  New  York  mer- 
chant, a  man  of  remarkable  business  capacity,  undoubted 
integrity,  and  reputed  wealth ;  one  who  although  of  highly 
respectable  parentage,  good  education,  and  fair  advantages  for 
a  start  in  life,  had  nevertheless  been  in  a  great  degree  the  fram- 
er  of  his  own  fortunes,  having  passed  through  all  the  phases 
incident  to  the  accumulation  of  a  large  property. 

While  thus  sacrificing  his  youth,  however,  and  with  it  all 
his  best  and  noblest  powers  to  the  pursuit  of  wealth,  he  found 
no  opportunity  for  the  forming  of  domestic  ties,  and  it  was  not 
until  he  was  fast  verging  upon  middle  life  that  he  even  medi- 
tated, matrimony.  He  had  by  this  time  gained  that  point  in 
the  social  scale,  when  he  was  marked  as  a  rising  man  of  wide 
commercial  influence,  and  this  distinction,  together  with  his 
gentlemanly  bearing,  found  him  favor  in  the  eyes  of  a  beauti- 
ful and  fashionable  woman,  whose  fair  face  had  captivated  his 
fancy,  and  whose  family  connection  was  such  as  to  gratify  his 
ambition. 

There  was  between  them  no  similarity  of  taste  or  habit, 
however,  and  the  union  which  succeeded  their  short  acquain- 
tance, was  productive  of  but  little  happiness  to  either  party. 
Mr.  Vaughan  had  hoped  to  find  at  his  own  fireside  that  quiet 
and  relaxation  from  care,  of  which  he  had  experienced  the 
want,  and  failing  in  this,  he  sought  amid  the  speculation  and 
excitement  of  business  to  forget  the  disappointment  he  had 
experienced  in  his  home,  while  his  wife,  after  pursuing  for  a 
time  those  gaieties  which  her  husband  refused  to  share,  became 


MABEL   VATJGHAN.  13 

the  victim,  first,  of  complaining  self-indulgence,  and  li  ally  of 
positive  ill  health. 

Fatal  as  this  utter  want  of  sympathy  proved  to  the  welfare 
of  the  ill-assorted  pair,  its  consequences  were  still  more  ii  juri- 
ous  to  their  children,  especially  to  the  eldest,  a  daughter,  who 
from  infancy  to  womanhood  was  exposed  to  all  its  unfortun  te 
influences.  At  the  birth  of  this  little  girl,  Mr.  Vaughan's 
interests  and  affections  were  again  turned  from  his  counting- 
house,  to  centre  in  the  home  where  he  once  more  began  to 
meditate  upon  those  fireside  and  domestic  joys  which  hald 
always  figured  in  his  dreams  of  married  life.  But  his  wife 
did  not  share  these  fond  aspirations,  and  the  child  proving  an 
insufficient  object  to  win  her  from  a  course  of  dissipated  gayety, 
was  soon  abandoned  to  the  care  of  strangers,  save  as  the  father 
strove  at  intervals,  by  fond  and  injudicious  indulgence  to  atone 
for  the  mother's  neglect.  During  six  succeeding  years,  this 
daughter  continued  the  sole  occupant  of  the  nursery,  and  the 
sole  victim  of  her  parent's  mismanagement.  At  the  end  of 
that  time  a  boy,  and,  a  few  years  after,  another  girl  were  added 
to  the  household.  Louise,  however,  the  eldest,  was  by  this 
time  promoted  to  the  companionship  of  her  mother,  who  now 
become  a  restless  and  nervous  invalid,  sought  to  divert  her 
mind  with  the  pretty  and  graceful  child,  whose  education  and 
accomplishments  she  resolved  herself  to  superintend.  And 
the  result  of  such  superintendence  was  this.  Louise,  at  six- 
teen was  a  fine  dancer,  a  tolerably  skilful  musician,  and  a 
complete  mistress  of  all  the  arts  of  coquetry.  Nature  had 
given  her  a  pretty  face,  and  symmetry  of  form,  and  early  prac- 
tice had  taught  her  to  turn  both  to  good  account.  Despite  her 
youth,  too,  she  had,  by  sedulous  cultivation,  acquired  many  so- 
called  fascinations  of  manner,  which  acted  powerfully  upon 
those  who  shut  their  eyes  to  her  extreme  affectation ;  and  her 
utter  want  of  mental  and  moral  discipline  was  atoned  for  in 
the  eves  of  her  mother's  circle  of  friends,  by  a  natural  quick- 
ness of  intellect,  and  a  proverbial  amiability  of  disposition. 

These  latter  qualities,  however,  so  far  as  she  in  reality  pos- 
sessed them,  were  given  her  at  birth.  They  could  not  be 


14  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

numbered  among  her  acquirements,  for  unfortunately  her  heart, 
mind,  and  soul  had  been  quite  overlooked  in  her  education. 

Such  being  the  consequence '  of  the  mother's  supervision,  it 
could  scarcely  be  a  matter  of  regret  that  Harry  and  Mabel 
were,  for  the  most  part,  shut  out  from  her  presence  and  her 
care.  Harry  was  so  noisy,  and  his  little  sister  had  adopted  so 
many  of  his  rude  ways,  that  both  were  unfit  for  her  sacred 
precincts,  even  if  she  had  considered  them  of  a  suitable  age 
to  profit  by  her  instruction ;  and  as  it  was,  she  condemned 
them  wholly  to  the  care  of  a  newly-hired  nurse. 

Fortunately  this  nurse,  though  ignorant,  was  faithful ;  though 
severe,  impartial ;  and  though  unimaginative,  true.  She  could 
rarely  give  satisfactory  replies  to  the  questions  suggested  by 
their  innocent  curiosity,  but  at  the  same  time  she  taught  them 
no  evil.  Her  management  was  often  such  as  to  thwart  their 
favorite  schemes,  but  she  never  punished  them  unjustly,  or 
complained  of  them  without  reason ;  and  if  her  dull  and  uncul- 
tivated intellect  failed  to  furnish  diversion  for  theirs,  she  at 
least  practised  upon  them  no  deception,  and  entertained  them 
with  no  gossip. 

Thus,  while  their  young  natures  failed  to  ripen  as  rapidly  as 
they  might  have  done  under  other  tutelage,  and  their  faculties 
found  little  scope  for  development  or  growth,  they  were  spared 
many  of  the  evil  influences  which  had  early  corrupted  the 
mind  of  the  less  fortunate  Louise ;  and  if  their  young  souls 
were  checked  in  their  infant  expansion,  they  at  least  were  not 
poisoned  in  the  bud. 

Before  Harry  had  reached  his  ninth  year  his  impatient  spirit 
burst  the  bounds  of  nursery  restraint,  and  obtaining  from  his 
indulgent  father  permission  to  attend  school,  he  was  sent  from 
home  to  form  boyish  connections  and  friendships,  leaving  his 
little  sister  deprived  of  her  cherished  playmate,  her  only  com- 
panion in  thraldom. 

Then  followed  a  dreary  season,  long  remembered  by^poor 
Mabel,  when,  during  many  tedious  months,  she  kept  on  with  her 
lonesome  plays,  having  no  variety  in  her  monotonous  life,  save 
a  daily  walk  with  her  nurse,  a  short  visit  from  her  often  ab- 


MABEL   VAUGHAN.  15 

stracted  father,  or  a  summons  to  the  parlor,  from  which  she 
was  sure  to  be  banished  on  occasion  of  the  slightest  childish 
offence. 

And  then  came  the  release !  Alas,  that  a  mother's  death 
should  have  imparted  new  life  to  her  child !  But  so  it  was, 
though  none  but  angel  eyes  perhaps  traced  out  the  workings  of 
that  infinite  love  which  recalled  the  unfaithful,  earthly  parent, 
that  a  heavenly  father's  hand  might  furnish  a  better  guardian- 
ship for  his  child.  The  well-dressed  groups  who  assembled  to 
pay  the  last  honors  to  her  who  had  once  been  the  ornament  of 
their  circle,  and  wlio  bestowed  upon  her  awe-struck  and  sable- 
clad  daughter  the  epithets  "Poor  Mabel!" — "Poor  little 
motherless  one ! " — this  short-sighted  group  would  have  started, 
perhaps,  at  the  lesson  and  shrunk  from  .the  warning,  had  the 
voice  of  truth  whispered  in  their  ears  that  the  holiest  trust 
committed  to  the  parent  is  sometimes  recalled,  in  mercy  to  the 
child. 

Mabel  was  eight  years  old  when  her  mother  died,  and  being 
the  only  one  of  the  children  who  was  under  the  paternal  roof 
at  the  time,  she  became  the  more  immediate  object  of  her  wid- 
owed father's  thoughts.  Louise  had  recently  been  sent  to  a  fash- 
ionable boarding-school ;  Harry  still  continued  at  his  academy ; 
but  Mabel  must  be  provided  for.  Both  the  calls  of  business 
and  his  own  choice  combined  to  render  Mr.  Vaughan  desirous 
of  leaving  the  country  and  closing  his  house  for  an  indefinite 
period ;  but  in  this  case  some  arrangement  must  be  made 
which  would  furnish  a  suitable  home  for  his  little  girl. 

As  she  sat  on  his  knee  one  evening,  about  a  week  after  his 
wife's  death,  and  his  thoughts,  sobered  by  that  solemn  event, 
and  concentrated  more  ardently  than  was  their  wont  upon  his 
children's  future  welfare,  were  especially  bent  upon  the  promo- 
tion of  Mabel's  happiness  and  improvement,  there  darted  into 
his  mind  one  of  those  Heaven-directed  ideas,  whose  happy  and 
far-reaching  results  seem  to  prove  the  divinity  of  their  source. 

Pe  had,  within  the  past  month,  received  a  letter  informing 
him  of  the  death  of  an  old  friend,  one  who  had  been  a  play- 
mate of  his  boyhood,  and  for  whom  he  had  ever  continued  to 


16  MABEL   VAUGHAN. 

feel  a  warm  and  consistent  regard.  This  regard  had  recently 
been  attested  by  the  loan  of  a  sum  of  money,  trifling  in  the 
eyes  of  the  wealthy  merchant,  but  of  infinite  importance  to  his 
friend,  who,  with  an  increasing  family  and  pursuing  a  poorly- 
paid  literary  career,  had  become  sadly  embarrassed  for  the 
want  of  this  small  amount. 

He  died,  however,  before  an  opportunity  had  ever  arrived  for 
defraying  the  debt,  and  Mr.  Vaughan's  recent  letter  from  his 
widow  was  written  less  with  the  view  of  informing  him  of  her 
loss,  than  to  acquaint  him  with  her  inability  to  meet  his  just 
demands,  and  to  request  his  indulgence  for  the  present.  This 
was  readily  accorded,  and  with  a  sigh  of  regret  for  his  friend, 
Mr.  Vaughan  dismissed  the  subject  from  his  mind. 

Now,  however,  as  h£  gazed  in  the  face  of  his  little  daughter, 
reflected  upon  the  disappointment  he  could  not  but  feel  in 
Louise,  and  resolved  that  a  wholly  different  course  should  be 
pursued  with  Mabel's  education,  he  conceived  a  sudden  desire 
to  place  her  under  the  sole  charge  of  Mrs.  Herbert, — the  widow 
of  his  friend, —  confide  to  her  the  trust  of  which  he  felt  con- 
scious he  was  scarcely  more  worthy  than  his  wife  had  been,  and 
delegate  to  her  the  entire  authority  which  had  thus  far  been 
neglected  and  abused. 

Mrs.  Herbert  was  poor ;  she  had  three  children  to  support 
by  her  own  exertions,  and  was  eager  and  anxious  to  employ 
herself  profitably.  The  proposal,  therefore,  which  Mr. Vaughan 
made  without  delay,  accompanying  it  with  the  most  generous 
pecuniary  offers,  was  as  promptly  accepted ;  and  thus  it  hap- 
pened that  Mabel  became,  as  we*  have  seen,  one  of  Mrs. 
Herbert's  household. 

We  may  not  pause  to  trace  the  benefits  which  resulted  from 
this  event  to  the  widow  and  her  family.  The  child's  coming, 
indeed,  was  the  signal  and  forerunner  of  many  blessings ;  it 
roused  Mrs.  Herbert  to  hope  and  to  exertion ;  it  laid  the  founda- 
tion for  what  became  in  time  a  well-established  and  prosperous 
school ;  and  long  after,  when  she  had  acquired  independence 
for  herself,  and  beheld  with  joy  the  prosperity  of  her  children, 
she  failed  not  to  look  back  to  Mabel's  entrance  into  her  house- 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  17 

hold  as  the  date  of  all  her  after  success.  Often  are  mercies 
thus  combined,  and  far-reaching  are  the  schemes  of  Provi- 
dence ;  but  it  is  with  their  influence  upon  Mabel  alone  that  we 
now  have  anything  to  do. 

She.  remained  ten  years  under  Mrs.  Herbert's  care,  often 
passing  her  vacations  in  that  home  which  was  to  her  the 
happiest  she  had  ever  known,  and  never,  during  this  long 
period,  revisiting  her  native  city,  save  on  the  occasion  of 
her  sister's  marriage  with  a  wealthy  banker,  which  took  place 
when  Mabel  was  still  a  mere  child.  Mr.Vaughan's  house  was  at 
that  time  leased  to  strangers,  and  the  wedding  ceremonies  were 
held  under  the  hospitable  roof  of  a  Mrs.  Vannecker,  a  distant 
relative  of  the  late  Mrs.  Vaughan,  who  had  been  proud  to 
usher  Louise  into  society,  and  now  boasted  that  she  had  made 
the  match. 

Here  the  family  were  assembled  to  participate  in  the  prep- 
arations and  festivities  attendant  upon  the  event,  all  of  which 
were  entered  into  with  eager  zest  by  Mabel,  and  remembered 
by  her  afterwards  rather  as  a  brilliant  dream  than  an  actual 
reality. 

With  this  exception  she  never  left  her  school,  save  for  a 
yearly  visit  to  her  grandmother,  whose  residence  was  within  a 
day's  journey  from  Mrs.  Herbert's ;  and  these  visits  were  of 
longer  or  shorter  continuance,  according  to  the  old  lady's  state 
of  health,  or  the  convenience  of  Mabel's  aunt,  Miss  Sabiah 
Vaughan,  who  continued  to  live  with  her  mother,  and  had 
charge  of  the  housekeeping.  From  these  absences,  however, 
which  from  one  cause  or  another  were  usually  of  limited  dura- 
tion, she  invariably  returned  with  joy  to  her  kind  teacher  and 
beloved  playmates,  by  whom  she  was  sure  to  have  been  sadly 
missed,  and  was  always  warmly  welcomed  back,  for  Mabel  was 
the  life  of  the  household. 

And  here,  amid  healthful  influences,  and  under  the  judicious 
training  of  one  of  the  best  of  women,  she'  rapidly  developed 
those  powers  and  capacities  which  had  in  her  early  childhood 
found  little  scope  for  their  expansion. 

Mrs.  Herbert  was  a  religious  woman,  and  she  spared  no 


18  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

paius  to  impart  to  Mabel  the  knowledge  and  love  of  virtue. 
She  had  sound  judgment  and  a  highly  cultivated  intellect,  and 
patiently  sought  to  guide  and  strengthen  the  mind  of  her  pupil, 
and  store  it  with  lasting  treasures.  She  was  possessed,  too,  of 
those  social  qualities  which  give  a  charm  to  home  and  .render 
a  fireside  comfortable  and  happy ;  and  the  youthful  group 
around  her  were  encouraged  by  her  example  to  the  cultivation 
of  every  endearing  and  feminine  grace. 

Nor  was  she  less  a  practical  than  an  accomplished  woman. 
She  understood  every  branch  of  house  keeping,  every  art  in 
needle-work,  and  had  acquired,  through  years  of  rigid  practice, 
economy,  prudence  and  skill,  in.  all  of  which  branches  her 
pupils  reaped,  in  a  greater  or  less  degree,  the  benefit  of  her 
experience. 

Thus,  during  ten  years  passed  in  a  plain  but  well-ordered 
New  England  homestead,  where  the  highest  mental  discipline 
was  combined  with  instruction  in  the  simplest  female  duties,  Ma- 
bel acquired  strength  of  principle,  soundness  of  knowledge,  cheer- 
fulness of  disposition,  and  useful  and  industrious  habits.  Mean- 
time, her  physical  development  had  kept  pace  with  her  mental 
and  moral  growth ;  pure  air,  healthful  exercise,  and  whole- 
some diet,  strengthening  and  hardening  her  frame,  while  with 
every  succeeding  year  she  grew  in  beauty  and  grace,  until  Mrs. 
Herbert  gazed  at  length  with  inward  pride  and  delight  upon 
the  fair  blossom  that  her  own  hand  had  reared,  and  which  had 
ripened  beneath  her  very  eye. 

When  Mabel,  at  eight  years  of  age,  was  first  placed  under 
Mrs.  Herbert's  charge,  she  was  a  shy,  unformed  child,  rude  in 
her  manners  and  speech,  and  wholly  unused  to  any  kind  of 
application.  At  eighteen  she  was  not  only  beautiful  in  person, 
cultivated  in  mind,  and  amiable  and  affectionate  in  disposition, 
but  to  her  rich  personal  and  mental  gifts  she  added  a  winning 
frankness  and  cordiality  of  manner,  which,  springing  as  they 
did  from  a  warm  and  sincere  heart,  combined  with  her  other 
attractions  to  render  her  the  favorite  as  well  as  the  pride  of 
her  companions. 

But    ]\Iiv.  Herbert  was    not   infallible,  nor   Mabel    faultless. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  19 

True,  the  former  had  labored  diligently  for  the  improvement 
of  one  who,  next  to  her  own  children,  was  the  principal  object 
of  her  endeavors  and  prayers,  and  had  met  undoubtedly  with  a 
proportionate  degree  of  success.  But  there  were  faults  in 
Mabel's  character  which  time  and  diligence  had  not  yet 
uprooted ;  faults  of  whose  full  extent  Mrs.  Herbert  was  scarcely 
aware,  and  which  were  fostered  by  circumstances  beyond  her  con- 
trol. Mabel's  very  popularity  among  her  schoolmates  exposed 
her  to  danger;  and  amid  the  varying  characters  with  which  she 
came  in  familiar  contact,  she  could  not  wholly  escape  perni- 
cious influences,  especially  during  the  latter  years  of  her  school 
life,  when  the  number  of  Mrs.  Herbert's  pupils  had  greatly 
increased. 

These  faults,  however,  were  not  vital.  They  were  such  only 
as  are  common  to  most  girls  of  her  age,  and  we  need  not  pause 
to  dwell  upon  them,  for  in  due  season  they  will  present  them- 
selves to  notice  as  we  follow  her  in  her  after  career. 

Conscious  as  Mrs.  Herbert  was  of  a  faithful  discharge  of 
duty,  and  well  rewarded  as  her  efforts  had  for  the  most  part 
been,  she  had  too  much  good  sense,  too  much  knowledge  of  the 
waywardness  of  the  human  heart,  to  believe  for  a  moment  that 
Mabel  was  henceforth  secure  from  temptation,  or  proof  against 
its  assaults.  And,  therefore,  as  she  read  the  few  hasty  lines 
from  Mr.  Vaughan,  which  summoned  his  daughter  to  the  super- 
intendence of  his  house,  and  the  enjoyment  of  city  gayeties,  she 
trembled  at  the  thought  that  thenceforward  Mabel  must  mark 
out  her  own  path,  unsustained  by  the  guiding  hand  and  almost 
maternal  love  which  had  thus  far  fostered  and  protected  her. 

It  needed,  indeed,  no  prophetic  eye  to  foresee  the  peculiar 
exposures  and  dangers  which  awaited  Mabel's  future.  Already 
had  Mrs.  Herbert  observed  the  pride  with  which  the  fond 
father,  in  his  occasional  visits,  gazed  upon  his  daughter's  daily 
increasing  charms,  and  already  had  she  more  than  once  been 
compelled  to  remonstrate  against  the  lavish  and  profuse  indul- 
gence with  which  he  proposed  to  gratify  her  girlish  whims. 
She  knew,  too,  the  gay  and  thoughtless  circles  in  which 
Mrs.  Vaughan  had  moved,  in  which  Louise  now  shone  trium- 


20  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

pliant,  and  in  which  Mabel  would  be  sure  to  be  admired,  flat- 
tered, and  caressed. 

And  because  she  knew  all  this,  and  because  she  rightly  con- 
jectured  that  in  this  new  sphere  no  pains  would  be  spared  to 
gratify  Mabel's  vanity,  encourage  her  ambition,  foster  her 
pride,  and  administer  to  her  self-love,  did  she  tremble  for  her 
purity  of  heart  and  disinterestedness  of  purpose. 

She  feared  that  in  time  of  trial,  when  pleasure  stood  on  one 
side  and  duty  opposed  to  it  on  the  other,  Mabel's  unaided 
strength  would  fail  in  the  bitter  contest.  She  feared  lest  sel- 
fishness, worldliness,  and  pride,  would  triumph  at  last  over  the 
barriers  of  Christian  truth  and  virtue,  which  she  had  sought  to 
rear  in  the  young  girl's  heart.  And  so,  since  henceforward  she 
could  protect  her  only  with  her  prayers,  she  gave  her  for  a 
watchword  and  a  shield  that  simple  precept,  so  gentle  in  its 
workings,  yet  so  mighty  in  its  power, —  that  potent  spell  which 
disarms  every  spirit  of  evil,  and  is  woman's  surest  weapon,  both 
of  warfare  and  defence,  —  for  she  sent  her  forth  to  the  conflict 
with  the  armor  of  Christian  love. 

And  Mrs.  Herbert  and  Mabel  never  met  again.  Not  that 
either  was  speedily  called  from  a  career  of  earthly  usefulness ; 
but  their  paths  henceforth  lay  apart.  Often  would  Mabel 
gladly  have  turned  to  this  well-tried  confidant  and  friend 
for  counsel,  sympathy,  and  advice.  But  it  might  not  be. 
Other  interests  soon  became  bound  up  in  her  own,  interests  in 
which  Mrs.  Herbert  might  not  share ;  and  only  partially,  and 
at  long  intervals,  could  she,  even  by  letter,  impart  to  this  friend 
of  her  childhood  and  youth  the  secret  cares  and  anxieties  which 
burdened  her  woman's  heart. 

But  there  was  a  spiritual  bond  between  them  still,  a  bond 
which  strengthened  with  time,  and  was  tempered  in  adversity, 
for  in  her  last  warning  charge,  her  last  earnest  lesson,  Mrs. 
Herbert  had  imparted  to  Mabel  the  great  truth  that  woman 
needs  to  learn.  It  slumbered  awhile,  then  awoke  in  power; 
at  first  as  a  still,  small  voice,  and  anon  as  a  flaming  sword, 
it  led  her  on  to  victory. 


CHAPTER    III. 

^  Buoyant,  cheerful,  happy,  bright,  — r  • 

I  see  thee  with  a  quiet  grace, 
"  Make  sunlight  in  a  shady  place." 

W.  STORY. 

MABEL'S  emotions  on  bidding  farewell  to  the  home  of  her 
girlhood  were  of  a  mingled  character,  pain  alternating  with 
pleasure,  according  as  memory  dwelt  upon  past  joys,  or  antici- 
pation pictured  forth  a  brilliant  future.  Had  she  foreseen  the 
length  of  time  that  would  elapse  ere  she  would  again  set  foot 
in  a  spot  endeared  to  her  by  a  thousand  associations,  and  had 
imagination  hinted  to  her  the  changes  which  that  time  would 
effect,  both  in  herself  and  in  those  she  left  behind,  the  fond 
whisperings  of  hope  would  have  been  silenced,  and  sorrow 
and  regret  would  alone  have  filled  her  heart.  But  she  had  a 
happy,  buoyant  nature,  and  in  planning  schemes  for  many  a 
summer  excursion  which  should  restore  her  to  the  old  home- 
stead, and  many  a  winter  vacation  which  should  bring  Mrs. 
Herbert  and  her  children  to  share  the  hospitalities  of  her  father's 
roof,  she  forgot  the  possibility  of  the  separation's  being  other- 
wise than  temporary. 

The  moment  of  parting  was  indeed  a  trying  one  to  her  affec- 
tionate nature,  and  long  after  the  intervening  hills  had  shut 
even  the  village  spire  from  her  sight,  her  thoughts  lingered  with 
the  beloved  teacher  and  companions,  whom  she  still  seemed  to 
see  grouped  together  on  the  doorstep,  where  they  had  assem- 
bled to  bid  her  a  sad  and  tender  farewell.  But,  although  her 
travelling  companions  gave  one  day  only  to  a  trip  which  is 
usually  performed  in  two,  it  afforded  her  ample  time  to  rally 
from  her  grief,  and  long  before  the  journey  drew  to  its  terini- 


22  MABEL   VAUGHAN. 

nation  her  busy  fancy  had  taken  another  direction,  and  gone 
forth  to  rehearse  the  joys  attendant  upon  her  welcome  home. 

She  pictured  to  herself  the  reception  she  should  probably 
meet  from  her  father,  whom  she  had  not  seen  fjr  months. 
Mabel  had  but  little  knowledge  of  him  who  stood  to  her  in  this 
tender  relation,  save  from  his  occasional  visits  and  periodical 
letters ;  and  the  former  had  often  been  suspended^br  years, 
owing  to  his  absence  from  the  country.  He  was,  therefore, 
imaged  to  her  mind  as  the  tall,  gray-haired  gentleman,  whom, 
some  dozen  times  during  her  school  life,  she  had  been  hastily 
summoned  to  Mrs.  Herbert's  parlor  to  see ;  each  of  which 
occasions  was  associated  in  her  recollection  with  a  holiday,  a 
rich  gift,  and  a  drive  to  the  railroad  station,  some  six  miles 
distant,  to  which  she  always  accompanied  him  on  his  departure. 

That  he  was  the  most  indulgent  of  men  £he  had  not  a  doubt, 
since  she  could  remember  no  instance  in  which  he  had  ever 
denied  her  requests,  or  refused  to  gratify  her  whims.  Of  his 
liberality,  her  gold  watch,  her  jewelled  rings,  her  well-stocked 
wardrobe,  and  ample  allowance,  had  long  since  furnished  evi- 
dence ;  nor,  though  he  seldom  gave  expression  to  his  feelings, 
could  she  be  unconscious  of  the  love  and  pride  with  which  he 
watched  the  development  of  her  intellect  and  her  beauty,  and 
triumphed  in  every  added  accomplishment  and  grace.  Her 
intercourse  with  him,  however,  had  been  wanting  in  that  famili- 
arity which  leads  to  confidence,  and,  being  wholly  unacquainted 
'with  his  habits  of  life  and  mode  of  thought,  her  spirits  always 
received  a  slight  check,  and  her  freedom  a  slight  restraint,  in 
his  presence.  His  letters  had  been  even  less  indicative  of 
character  than  his  visits ;  for,  although  kind,  they  were  brief 
and  somewhat  formal,  and,  on  the  whole,  he  inspired  in  Mabel 
more  of  the  respect  and  gratitude  due  to  a  thoughtful  guardian, 
than  the  trusting  love  which  is  wont  to  subsist  between  a  father 
and  child. 

She  felt  conscious,  however,  that  this  restraint  was  unnatu- 
ral, and  as  the  time  had  now  come  when  she  was  to  make  her 
father's  house  her  permanent  abode,  busy  fancy  suggested  that 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  23 

the  warmth  with  which  he  would  welcome  her  to  his  heart 
and  home  would  at  once  break  down  every  barrier  of  reserve. 

Of  her  sister  Louis^,  now  Mrs.  Leroy,  she  had  still  less 
knowledge.  She  had  seen  her  but  twice  since  her  marriage, 
and  on  each  occasion  for  a  few  hours  only.  Once  she  had  re- 
ceived a  hasty  note,  informing  her  that  a  party,  including  the 
Leroys,  were  travelling  in  the  vicinity  of  her  school  and  would 
dine  the  following  day  at  a  neighboring  town,  where  they 
begged  that  she  would  come  and  meet  them.  It  was  about  a 
year  after  Louise's  marriage,  and  Mabel,  then  a  child,  obtained 
Mrs.  Herbert's  consent  to  the  plan,  and  returned  in  ecstacies 
with  the  whole  party,  especially  her  beautiful  sister.  Nor  was 
this  impression  weakened  when,  a  few  years  later,  Louise  ac- 
companied her  father  on  one  of  his  periodical  visits,  and  came, 
richly  clad,  to  pass  a  day  at  Mrs.  Herbert's ;  a  day  which  served 
to  heighten  the  young  school-girl's  enthusiasm  with  regard  to 
the  surpassing  charms  of  her  sister,  an  enthusiasm  which  was 
kept  alive,  inasmuch  as  it  was,  to  a  great  degree,  shared  by  all 
her  young  companions.  She  looked  forward,  therefore,  to  daily 
companionship  with  one  so  lovely,  accomplished  and  fascinating, 
as  scarcely  less  an  honor  than  a  happiness. 

Nor  in  her  visions  of  a  joyous  welcome  did  Mabel  fail  to 
give  a  prominent  place  to  her  little  nephews,  two  beautiful 
boys,'  whom  she  had  never  yet  seen ;  and,  naturally  warm  of 
heart,  extravagantly  fond  of  children,  and  eminently  qualified 
to  excite  affection  on  their  part,  it  was  no  slight  addition  to  her 
looked-for  happiness  that  fancy  pictured  these  little  ones  bound- 
ing to  embrace  an  aunt  whom  they  had  doubtless  already  been 
taught  to  love. 

But,  although  father,  sister,  and  nephews  all  figured  in  the 
vision  which  Mabel  mentally  formed  of  her  future  home,  not 
one  of  them  stood  in  the  foreground  of  her  imagination — for 
memory  furnished  no  link  which  associated  them  with  the  home 
of  her  infancy.  Bright  and  joyous  as  her  anticipations  were 
of  what  these  relatives  might  become  to  her  in  the  future,  there 
were  no  sweet,  childish  recollections  connected  with  them,  to 
awaken  the  tender  thoughts  which  cling  around  a  parent's 


24  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

hearth.  They  were  all,  in  truth,  more  or  less  strangers  to  her, 
and  her  conjectures  concerning  them,  however  pleasing,  were 
necessarily  vague  and  indistinct.  0 

But  there  was  one  member  of  her  family  whose  very  name 
was  suggestive  to  Mabel's  heart  of  happiness,  kindred,  and 
home.  There  was  one  whose  relation  to  herself  was  natural 
and  true;  who,  from  the  cradle  upwards,  had  shared  her  inter- 
ests, her  sorrows,  and  her  joys ;  who  had  been  the  playmate  of 
her  infancy  and  the  confidant  and  companion  of  her  girlhood. 
Her  dutiful  affection  for  her  father  and  her  admiring  love  for 
her  sister  were  of  comparatively  recent  growth,  but  memory 
could  recall  no  time  when  she  had  not  dearly  loved  her  brother. 
With  him  was  connected  every  association  of  that  early  age 
when,  shut  out  from  the  sympathy  of  the  rest  of  the  household, 
they  were  all  in  all  to  each  other.  Her  mother's  neglect  and 
her  sister's  indifference  were  either  unnoticed  at  the  time  or 
had  long  since  been  forgotten  by  Mabel ;  so,  too,  had  the  bril- 
liant and  richly  furnished  rooms  from  which  she  had  often  been 
banished  in  disgrace ;  but  there  still  rose,  fresh  and  clear  to  her 
recollection,  the  nursery  where  she  and  Harry  played,  the  little 
hopes  which  they  had  mutually  shared,  and  the  little  disap- 
pointments over  which  they  had  wept  together.  Nor  were 
these  tender  memories  all  that  had  hallowed  their  affection; 
for,  while  time,  separation,  and  absence,  had  built  barriers  be- 
tween the  other  members  of  the  family,  Harry  and  Mabel  had 
been  in  the  habit  of  yearly  intercourse,  often  passing  many 
weeks  in  the  enjoyment  of  each  other's  society.  Not  only  did 
they  usually  meet  on  occasion  of  the  annual  visit  to  old  Mrs. 
Vaughan,  but  nearly  all  Harry's  school  vacations  were  passed 
at  Mrs.  Herbert's,  or  at  a  boarding-place  in  the  neighborhood, 
so  that  the  happy  home  which  Mabel  had  found  with  her  kind 
instructress  came  to  be  considered  scarcely  less  a  home  by 
Harry,  who  voluntarily  went  there  for  the  holidays. 

A  longer  separation  than  usual  intervened  during  two  years, 
which  the  latter  passed  at  West  Point;  but  this  was  atoned  for 
by  the  happiness  with  which  Mabel  welcomed  the  young  cadet 
on  occasion  of  his  short  leave  of  absence,  and  the  mingled  pride 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  25 

and  delight  with  which  she  listened  to  her  schoolmates'  whis- 
pered encomiums  of  her  soldier-brother. 

Arid  when,  a  few  months  later,  he  engaged  in  a  boyish  frolic, 
and  was  suddenly  dismissed  from  the  Military  Academy,  whose 
strict  rules  he  had  infringed,  Mabel  readily  accepted  his  apolo- 
gies, allowed  herself  to  be  convinced  that  he  was  the  most 
injured  of  mortals,  and  loved  him  all  the  more  for  the  injustice 
he  had  suffered. 

Mr.  Vanghan  then  sent  him  abroad  to  spend  two  years  at  a 
German  University,  since  which  time  he  had  been  permitted  to 
make  the  tour  of  Europe,  a  tour  which  the  son  had  protracted 
beyond  the  original  intentions  of  the  father,  but  from  which  he 
had  now  unexpectedly  returned. 

This  long  absence  from  Mabel,  however,  had  only  served  to 
unite  him  more  closely  to  her  in  interest  and  in  heart.  Their 
correspondence  had  been  constant.  It  was,  moreover,  full,  free 
and  unrestrained,  being  not  only  a  faithful  communication  of 
facts  and  events,  a  familiar  interchange  of  thoughts  and  ideas, 
but  an  affectionate  outpouring  of  mutual  love. 

There  was  no  corner  of  the  old  world  which  Harry's  foot  had 
trod  to  which  Mabel  had  not  in  spirit  followed  him ;  no  city, 
river,  or  mountain  which  was  not  enshrined  in  her  memory  as 
the  spot  which  had  furnished  Harry  with  some  gay  adventure, 
some  historic  musing,  or  some  vision  of  glory ;  and  there  was 
no  partner  in  his  winter  studies  or  summer  wanderings  who  did 
not  henceforth  stand  high  in  her  regard,  because  he  was  her 
brother's  friend. 

Thus,  from  childhood  upwards  they  had  been  united  in  each 
other's  love,  and  every  year  had  but  served  to  strengthen  the 
bonds  of  mutual  dependence  and  mutual  trust.  Isolated  as 
both  had  been  from  any  other  strong  family  tie,  the  repose,  the 
sympathy,  the  confiding  love  which  are  the  most  hallowed  influ- 
ences of  home  had  been  more  fully  perfected  in  their  relation 
to  each  other,  and  ready  as  Mabel  was  to  acknowledge  the 
claims  of  the  rest  of  her  family,  her  heart  assured  her,  as  she 
drew  near  her  father's  house,  that  it  was  Harry's  presence  there 
which  alone  entitled  it,  in  her  estimation,  to  the  name  of  home. 
3 


26  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

.  The  first  intimation  she  had  received  of  her  brother's  return 
from  his  foreign  tour,  was  contained  in  the  recent  letter  from 
her  father,  which  had  summoned  her  to  meet  Harry  in  New 
York  and  preside  over  the  festivities  attendant  upon- the  re- 
union of  the  long  scattered  family. 

"I  cannot  arrange  matters,"  wrote  he,  "so  as  to  join  you  at 
any  point  on  your  journey ;  you  will  he  rejoiced,  however,  to 
hear  that  not  only  Louise,  the  children  and  myself  will  be  in 
New  York  to  welcome  you,  but  your  brother  Harry  is  on  board 
the  steamer  which  was  yesterday  reported  at  Halifax,  and  he 
will  arrive  here  by  to-morrow  at  the  latest.''* 

It  was  a  dismal  autumn  afternoon  when  Mabel  reached  the 
city.  She  had  travelled  in  company  with  a  party  of  Mr. 
Vaughan's  friends,  of  whose  proffered  attendance  he  had 
gladly  availed  himself,  and,  unfortunately  for  her  hopes  of  a 
cordial  greeting,  she  arrived  one  day  sooner  than  had  been 
anticipated.  A  less  gay  and  joyous  spirit  than  hers  would 
perhaps  have  received  a  sudden  check,  at  the  air  of  soberness 
and  gloom  which  the  paternal  mansion  wore  on  her  first 
entrance,  at  the  utter  silence  which  pervaded  the  hall  and  par- 
lors, and  the  stately  formality  with  which  she  was  received  by 
the  grave  and  elderly  footman.  At  first,  indeed,  she  looked 
round  in  some  anxiety,  lest  she  had  mistaken  the  house,  espe- 
cially, as  the  tall,  stiff  figure  of  a  lady  dressed  in  black  was  just 
disappearing,  at  the  head  of  the  staircase,  with  the  air  of  one 
who  is  hastily  retreating  from  the  sight  of  visitors.  Mabel 
knew  of  no  such  person  in  the  family,  and  in  order  to  quiet 
her  doubts  turned  to  the  footman,  and  exclaimed  inquiringly, 
"  Tliis  is  Mr.  Vaughan's,  my  father's  ?  "  "  Certainly,  Miss," 
replied  the  man,  "  but  you  were  not  expected  until  to-morrow." 

A  pretty  waiting-maid  now  advanced  from  the  end  of  the 
hall,  to  offer  her  services  to  her  new  mistress,  and  at  the  same 
moment,  the  tall,  stiff  lady  who  had  been  leaning  over  the 
bannisters  to  listen,  began  slowly  and  cautiously  to  descend  the 
stairs.  Mabel  looked  up,  and  to  her  astonishment,  perceived 
her  aun<t,  Miss  Sabiah  Vaughan,  the  last  person  in  the  world 
whom  she  had  expected  to  see.  Rejoiced,  however,  at  recog- 


MABEL    VAUGIIAX.  27 

nising  a  familiar  face,  she  sprung  to  meet  her,  embracing  her 
with  more  than  her  usual  warm-heartedness,  and  exclaiming 
as  she  did  so  —  "  Aunt  Sabiah !  How  glad  I  am  to  see  you ! " 

Miss  Vaughan  partially  returned  the  salutation,  although 
awkwardly,  and  with  evident  effort,  for  she  was  unaccustomed 
to  such  hearty  demonstrations  of  feeling,  and  putting  up  her 
hands,  she  began  nervously  to  smooth  down  her  collar,  which 
Mabel,  in  her  joy,  had  slightly  disarranged.  But  although  her 
manner  was  thus  constrained,  her  face  betrayed  symptoms  of 
satisfaction  which  were  easily  detected  by  Mabel,  who  was 
accustomed  to  every  variation  of  which  her  aunt's  features 
were  capable.  Her  nervous  agitation,  too,  Mabel  knew  to  be 
only  the  effect  of  pleasurable  excitement,  and  holding  her  affec- 
tionately by  the  hand,  the  young  girl  accompanied  her  up 
stairs,  the  pretty  waiting-maid  preceding  them,  and  throwing 
open  the  doors  of  the  chamber  and  dressing-room  which  Mr. 
Vaughan  intended  for  his  daughter's  use. 

"  But  where  are  all  the  rest  ?  where  is  Harry  ? "  inquired 
Mabel  eagerly,  when  she  had  drawn  her  aunt  into  the  room, 
and  with  some  difficulty  persuaded  her  to  be  seated. 

"  Why  you  were  not  expected  until  to-morrow,  child,"  replied 
Miss  Vaughan,"  and  Harry  has  gone  up  the  river  with  a  party 
of  young  fellows,  and  will  not  be  back  until  late." 

"  He  is  come  then  ?  he  is  safe  and  well  ?  " 

"  Yes,  indeed ;  and  altered  so  I  hardly  knew  him." 

"  Oh,  how  I  long  to  see  him !  "  exclaimed  Mabel ;  and  then 
followed  questions  and  replies  concerning  the  different  mem- 
bers of  the  family.  There  was  no  one  at  home,  however,  nor 
any  prospect  of  an  arrival  until  Mr.  Vaughan  should  return, 
at  six,  the  usual  dinner  hour.  So,  with  some  difficulty  com- 
posing her  excited  feelings,  Mabel  resolved  to  occupy  the 
intervening  time  in  making  those"  changes  in  her  dress  which 
the  dust  and  smoke  of  travelling  had  rendered  necessary,  stip- 
ulating that  her  aunt  should  remain  where  she  was,  and 
gratify  her  curiosity  on  many  points,  concerning  which  she  was 
far  from  being  satisfied. 

She  could  not  conceal    her  astonishment  at  finding  Miss 


28  MABEL    VAUGUAN. 

Yaughan  apparently  domesticated  in  her  father's  house,  no 
mention  having  been  made  of  her  in  his  recent  letter.  It 
seemed  that  Miss  Sabiah  had  reached  New  York,  only  the 
previous  day,  and  had  spent  the  entire  morning,  unpacking  her 
trunks  in  an  upper  chamber,  which,  being  in  the  most  retired 
part  of  the  house,  she  had  chosen  for  herself  in  preference  to 
the  room  which  had  first  been  allotted  to  her.  Since  the  death 
of  the  old  lady  Vaughan,  which  took  place  about  a  year  pre- 
vious, Sabiah  had  boarded  in  her  native  village,  and  had  now 
come  by  special  invitation  from  her  brother  to  pass  the  winter 
in  his  family.  She  appeared  deeply  hurt  on  learning  Mabel's 
utter  ignorance  of  the  plan,  having  supposed  that  it  would  be 
communicated  to  her  niece  as  a  fact  of  some  importance.  The 
poor  lady  had  experienced  her  share  of  neglect  in  this  world, 
but  was  none  the  less  sensitive  on  that  account.  She  looked 
discontented,  too,  and  ill  at  ease,  and  so  far  from  contributing 
to  the  cheerfulness  of  the  house,  and  giving  it  a  home-like 
aspect,  her  presence  seemed  to  reflect  a  far  more  sombre 
shadow  upon  the  room  than  those  which  were  cast  by  the  now 
gradually  deepening  twilight.  Mabel's  quick  eye  and  ready 
sympathies,  saw  and  understood  her  aunt's  state  of  mind  at  a 
glance ;  but,  although  disappointed  herself  at  her  father's  and 
brother's  absence,  and  the  chilly  nature  of  her  reception,  her 
buoyant  nature  was  far  from  indulging  useless  regrets,  or  dis- 
mal forebodings.  Her  spirits,  on  the  contrary,  rose  with  the 
necessity  of  exerting  herself  to  please  and  cheer  one  whom  she 
was  really  delighted  to  find  an  inmate  of  the  household,  and 
she  hastened  to  complete  her  toilet,  and  divert  her  aunt's 
thoughts  by  a  proposition  that  she  should  accompany  her  on  a 
tour  through  the  house,  which  the  yonng  girl  was  eager  to 
inspect.  All  was  new  to  Mabel.  Mr.  Vanghan's  residence 
had  recently  been  subjected  to  a  thorough  course  of  repair 
and  enlargement.  Old  rooms  had  been  converted  into  others 
of  far  different  size  and  construction,  and  even  the  well-re- 
in timbered  nursery,  to  which  Mabel  had  fancied  that  instinct 
would  guide  her  at  once,  had  given  place  to  an  octagon  apart- 
ment, lit  from  the  ceiling,  and  evidently  intended  for  a  picture 


MAI1KL    VAUGHAN.  29 

cabinet.  Miss  Sabiali,  who  was  even  more  unaccustomed  than 
Mabel  to  the  display  of  luxury  and  elegance  which  met  them 
at  every  turn,  and  who  was  overawed  and  oppressed  by  the 
magnificence  of  her  brother's  house  and  furniture,  felt  a  sense  of 
relief  as  she  observed  the  easy  and  careless  step  with  which 
her  niece  trod  the  velvet  carpets,  and  the  confident  and  uncon- 
cerned air  with  which,  as  they  passed  through  different  rooms, 
she  threw  open  the  blinds,  raised  the  curtains,  and  altered  the 
position  of  light  articles  of  furniture  and  adornment.  Dark- 
ness, silence,  and  gloom,  seemed  to  flee  before  her,  and  the 
shadow  upon  Miss  Sabiah's  feelings  being  proportionately  dis- 
pelled, she  at  length  gave  vent  to  her  sentiments  in  the  sudden 
exclamation  — "Well  Mabel,  I  am  glad  you  have  come  to  make 
some  of  these  improvements.  Everything  is  beautiful,  to  be 
sure,  but  it  has  looked  very  dull  to  me,  and  I  believe  my 
brother  finds  it  so  too,  for  he  lives  entirely  in  the  library,  below 
stairs,  and  he  told  me  yesterday,  that  he  had  not  sat  in  the 
drawing-room  since  it  was  furnished.  As  for  Harry,  he  has 
scarcely  been  at  home  since  I  came.  Your  father  asked  him 
at  breakfast  how  he  liked  the  house.  I  was  shocked  at  the 
answer  he  made,  and  yet  I  could  not  wonder  much." 

"  What  did  he  say  ?  "  questioned  Mabel. 

"  Why,  that  it  seemed  to  him  pretty  much  like  any  other  old 
tomb  ;  and  your  father  laughed  and  said  '  Oh,  well,  when  Mabel 
comes  she  will  manage  to  brighten  it  up  a  little.' " 

And  Mr.Vaughan  prophesied  truly.  Already  had  his  daugh- 
ter's fresh  young  spirit  begun  to  exert  its  magic  influence. 
Already  had  the  rooms  assumed  the  air  of  cheerfulness,  which 
youth  and  ta.ste  know  so  well  how  to  impart.  Already  had  the 
halls  and  parlors  resounded  more  than  once  with  her  free  and 
joyous  peals  of  laughter.  And,  stranger  still,  Miss  Sabiah's 
rigid  and  indifferent  expression  had  begun  to  soften  into  an 
occasional  smile,  while  her  dull  eye  had  caught  something  of 
the  animation  which  danced  and  sparkled  in  that  of  her  niece. 
Even  the  servants,  as  they  heard  her  merry  voice  while  she 
passed  from  room  to  room,  seemed  to  catch  the  inspiration  of 
her  presence.  The  neat  waiting-maid  might  be  seen  tripping 


30  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

tlirougb  tlie  chambers  with  a  freer  step  and  a  lighter  heart,  and 
even  the  grave  footman,  as  he  took  the  plate  from  the  side- 
board and  spread  the  table  for  dinner,  found  himself  humming 
a  tune  which  he  had  not  heard  since  he  was  a  boy. 

Truly  there  is  no  sunshine  so  refreshing  as  that  which  beams 
from  a  happy  youthful  heart. 

"  Now  for  your  favorite  song,  aunt  Sabiah,"  exclaimed  Ma- 
bel, as  she  threw  open  the  grand  piano-forte  and  seated  herself 
before  it.  "  No  one  praises  my  singing  as  you  do,"  and  the 
young  girl  commenced  playing  a  simple  air  which  she  had 
found,  many  years  before,  in  an  old  music-book  at  her  grand- 
mother's, and  often  sung,  to  the  accompaniment  of  a  cracked 
and  worn-out  instrument,  for  her  aunt's  especial  benefit.  To 
sing  was  as  natural  to  Mabel  as  to  laugh,  nor  was  it  any  won- 
derful proof  of  thoughtful  love  that  she  should  select  the  song 
which  would  be  sure  to  please  her  listener  best.  The  appeal 
to  Miss  Sabiah' s  feelings,  however,  was  irresistible ;  and,  as  a 
moment  before,  her  niece's  playful  sallies  had  called  a  smile  to 
her  sunken  cheek,  so  now,  at  this  simple  proof  of  loving  re- 
membrance, a  solitary  tear  started  to  her  eye  and  was  wiped 
away  unseen.  What  wonder-working  power  there  must  have 
been  in  the  girl,  who  could  thus  summon  both  smiles  and  tears 
from  out  the  withered  and  wasted  heart  which  hud  long  seemed 
callous  to  any  strong  emotion ! 

Mabel,  however,  quite  unconscious  of  the  effect  of  her  music, 
had  sung  but  a  few  lines,  when  she  started  from  her  seat,  ex- 
claiming, "  I  hear  my  father's  voice,"  and  in  an  instant  more 
she  had  bounded  down  the  stair-case  to  meet  him.  He  was  not 
in  the  hall,  but  the  familiar  tones  proceeded  from  the  library, 
the  door  of  which  stood  open.  An  eager  word  of  greeting  es- 
caped Mabel's  lips  at  the  threshold  of  the  room,  but  her  step  was 
suddenly  arrested  by  the  presence  of  a  stranger,  who  stood 
near  the  door,  while  her  father,  with  his  back  towards  her,  was 
engaged  in  unlocking  a  secretary  at  the  opposite  end  of  the 
library.  Mr.  Vaughan  turned,  howeveiyU  the  sound  of  her 
voice,  and  throwing  on  the  table  a  large  roll  of  papers  which 
he  had  just  taken  from  the  shelf  of  his  cabinet,  he  came  towards 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  31 

her  with  an  air  of  surprise,  lifting  his  spectacles  from  his  nose  as 
if  to  make  sure  that  the  glasses  were  not  deceiving  him,  and  ex- 
claiming, as  he  stretched  out  a  welcoming  hand,  "Mabel?  my 
daughter?  is  it  possible?  Why,  where  did  you  come  from?" 

Mabel  answered  only  by  a  glad  smile  ;  for,  before  she  could 
proceed  to  make  any  explanation  of  her  unlooked-for  arrival, 
she  caught  the  sudden  glance  of  embarrassment  which  (the 
first  surprise  being  past)  overspread  the  countenance  of  her 
reserved  parent,  at  the  consciousness  of  the  stranger's  pres- 
ence. Mabel,  too,  shared  this  sensation  of  awkwardness,  for 
her  father  did  not  introduce  the  individual,  who  appeared  to  be 
a  business-agent,  as  he  had  by  this  time  unfolded  the  papers 
and  spread  upon  the  table  a  number  of  maps  and  charts, 
which  he  was  diligently  studying. 

"  You  are  busy,"  said  Mabel,  in  an  undertone.  "  I  will  go 
back  to  my  aunt." 

Her  father  hesitated,  glanced  toward  his  visitor,  but  still  re- 
tained her  hand  in  his. 

At  the  same  moment,  the  stranger,  who  was  handling  the 
charts  in  a  hurried  manner,  and  seemed  to  be  in  haste,  made 
an  abrupt  inquiry  as  to  the  extent  and  value  of  certain  landed 
property,  and  as  Mr.  Vaughan  turned  to  reply,  Mabel  slipped 
quietly  out  of  the  room. 

Miss  Sabiah  had  but  just  determined  to  follow  her  niece 
down  stairs  when  she  met  her  returning. 

"  Father  is  busy  now,"  said  Mabel,  in  explanation,  "  let  us 
go  back  and  finish  the  song." 

The  song  was  finished,  and  several  others  had  been  succes- 
sively sung,  when  Mabel,  who  had  paused  between  each  to 
listen  for  the  stranger's  departure,  at  length  announced  that 
lie  had  gone,  and  now  at  her  persuasion  her  aunt  accompanied 
her  to  the  library.  She  was  once  more,  however,  doomed  to 
disappointment,  and  to  the  mortification  of  feeling  herself  an 
intruder.  The  papers  were  still  spread  on  the  table,  and  on 
entering,  Mabel  thought  her  ears. must  have  deceived  her,  for 
Mr.  Vaughan  was  still  attentively  engaged  in  examining  them, 
with  the  aid  of  another  person,  whose  head  was  bent  down  so 


32  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

as  to  conceal  his  face,  and  whom,  at  a  first  glance,  Mabel  con- 
cluded to  be  the  man  whom  she  had  heard  a  few  moments  be- 
fore bidding  her  father  good-night. 

It  proved,  however,  to  be  her  brother-in-law,  Mr.  Leroy, 
who  had  come  in  unheard,  and  who  rose  on  her  entrance  and 
greeted  her  cordially,  although  with  an  absent  air:  so  ab- 
stracted was  he  that  he  did  not  observe  Miss  Sabiah,  until  Mr. 
Vaughan  had  twice  introduced  her  as  his  sister,  and  even  then 
he  failed  to  notice  the  icy  stiffness  with  which  she  returned  his 
forced  and  indifferent  bow.  His  manner  was  restless  and  un- 
easy, and  after  a  few  words  of  inquiry  as  to  Mabel's  health 
and  journey,  he  was  evidently  anxious  to  resume  the  subject 
in  which  he  and  Mr.  Vaughan  appeared  to  be  mutually  inter- 
ested. 

The  latter  interfered,  however,  greatly  to  the  relief  of  Ma- 
bel, who  was  beginning  to  look  with  an  almost  jealous  eye  upon 
these  important  charts,  which  seemed  so  many  barriers  be- 
tween herself  and  her  father,  so  many  rival  claims  to  his  notice 
and  interest.  "  Not  now,  Leroy,"  said  he,  in  a  decided  tone, 
thrusting  the  papers  aside  and  removing  his  spectacles.  "  Ma- 
bel has  but  just  come, —  I  have  scarcely  seen  her.  I  shall  be 
at  leisure  to-morrow,  and  we  can  then  come  to  a  decision ;  but 
about  those  eastern  stocks — "  and  then  followed  a  few  hasty 
words  in  a  low  tone,  to  which  Mr.  Leroy  assented  by  a  quick 
but  earnest  nodding  of  the  head,  after  which  he  immediately 
took  his  hat  to  depart.  Mabel  asked  after  her  sister.  "  I  think 
it  probable  she  is  under  the  hair-dresser's  hands,"  was  the  re- 
ply. "I  believe  she  is  going  to  Mrs.  D.'s  ball  to-night."  Ma- 
bel expressed  a  hope  that  she  would  come  to  see  her  the  next 
day,  if  not  too  much  fatigued,  and  Mr.  Leroy,  having  declined 
an  invitation  to  dinner,  took  his  leave. 

Mr.  Yaughan  gathered  up  the  scattered  papers,  placed  them 
in  the  secretary,  closed  and  locked  the  door,  and,  as  he  put  the 
]«-}  in  his  pocket,  his  face  assumed  a  relieved  and  satisfied  ex- 
pression, which  seemed  to  say  that  for  the  present  he  had  done 
with  business  and  was  free  to  enjoy  the  society  of  his  sister  and 
child.  He  was  not  naturally  a  talkative  man,  and  Mabel  had 


MABEL    VAUGITAN.  33 

never  been  in  his  company  without  experiencing  a  conscious- 
ness of  his  inability  to  maintain  an  animated  conversation.  He 
was  one  of  that  large  class  of  individuals  whose  characters  un- 
bend most  fully  under  their  own  roof,  and  who  neve]1  appear  to 
such  advantage  as  in  the  privacy  of  their  domestic  circle.  He 
had  also  many  inquiries  to  make  concerning  Mabel's  journey, 
her  travelling  companions,  and  the  hour  of  her  arrival,  and,  as 
he  drew  a  chair  to  the  fire,  bestowing  upon  her  at  the  same 
time  a  pleased  and  affectionate  glance,  she  felt  emboldened  to 
address  him  with  something  of  the  ease  and  familiarity  of  a 
privileged  child.  She  also  by  degrees  beguiled  her  aunt  into 
the  conversation  which  was  fast  assuming  a  lively  tone,  and 
before  long,  the  little  group  so  suddenly  brought  together,  pre- 
sented the  air  of  a  home-circle  engaged  in  familiar  fireside 
intercourse. 

There  was  no  mistaking  the  proud  satisfaction  with  which 
Mr.  Vaughan  presided  at  his  dinner-table,  that  day,  realizing  at 
once  the  comforts,  the  freedom,  and  the  retirement  of  home, 
from  which  lie  had  so  long  been  debarred,  and  which  his  in- 
creasing age  now  rendered  more  than  ever  desirable.  The 
quiet  dignity  and  precision  which  were  his  striking  characteris- 
tics could  not  wholly  hide  the  pleasurable  emotions  with  which 
he  once  more  felt  himself  a  family  man.  Beneath  the  veil  of 
strict  courtesy  towards  Miss  Sabiah  might  be  detected  no  small 
degree  of  brotherly  kindness,  and  although  his  voice  dwelt  with 
evident  pleasure  upon  the  wTords  "my  daughter,"  his  mild  eye, 
as  it  turned  upon  Mabel,  bespoke  a  deeper  well-spring  of 
fatherly  love  than  any  words  which  his  lips  knew  how  to  utter. 

Nor  was  the  gleam  of  pleasure  any  less  evident  which  over- 
spread Miss  Sabiah's  features  when  Mabel  insisted  upon  her 
occupying  the  seat  of  honor  opposite  her  father,  which  the 
elder  lady  with  an  awkward  show  of  humility  was  disposed  to 
resign,  but  which  Mabel  disclaimed  the  possibility  of  filling, 
assuring  her  aunt  that  she  alone  was  entitled  to  preside  there. 
Whatever  might  have  been  Mr.  Vaughan's  preference  in  the 
matter  he  was  too  well-bred  to  interfere,  and  the  deference  with 
which  Mabel  thus  yielded  to  her  aunt's  superior  claims  gratified 


34  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

her  sensitive  and  watchful  pride,  and  was  a  soothing  balm  to 
feelings  which  had  been  roughly  chafed  by  her  past  experience. 

Harry's  absence  was  the  only  drawback  to  the  happiness  of 
the  party.  "  Do  not  sit  up  for  him  Mabel,"  said  Mr.  Vaughan, 
as,  dinner  concluded,  he  prepared  to  leave  the  house.  "  Nor 
for  me  either,"  continued  he  ;  "  I  have  an  appointment  at  nine 
o'clock,  and  shall  not  be  in  until  late.  You  must  be  fatigued 
with  your  journey,  and  you  will  find  enough  to  do  to-morrow. 
Louise  will  want  to  take  you  on  a  grand  shopping  expedition, 
and  Harry,  I  have  no  doubt,  has  his  head  full  of  plans." 

Once  more  left  to  themselves,  Mabel  and  Miss  Sabiah  re- 
turned to  the  cheerful  and  well-lit  library  ;  and  soon  the  former, 
taking  a  low  seat  near  her  aunt,  begged  to  hear  some  account 
of  her  solitary  journey  to  town,  the  particulars  of  which  she 
had  not  yet  learned. 

Miss  Sabiah,  pleased  and  gratified  at  having  so  ready  an 
audience  to  several  little  misadventures  of  the  previous  day, 
proceeded  to  relate  them  at  length,  and  found  in  Mabel  an 
attentive  listener. 

In  less  time  than  Miss  Sabiah  occupied  in  narrating  her  trav- 
els we  will  take  a  glance  at  the  history  of  her  life. 

The  life  of  an  old  maid !  A  desert,  a  blank,  an  unwritten 
page  to  the  careless,  the  thoughtless,  the  unobservant  mind. 
But  to  the  initiated  eye  which  faithfully  scans  its  past,  its  pres- 
ent, and  its  future  experience,  may  it  not  prove  a  world  of 
strong  affections,  conflicting  duties,  anxious  cares,  and  busy 
memories,  whose  only  register  is  hidden  in  one  human  heart  ? 

Sabiah  Vaughan  was  the  youngest  of  three  children,  having 
besides  her  brother  a  sister  who  was  a  few  years  her  senior. 
Their  father  was  a  man  of  good  standing  in  his  own  town,  a 
respectable  country  trader,  and,  during  the  latter  years  of  his 
life,  president  of  the  village  bank.  Their  mother  was  a  notable 
housewife,  somewhat  imperious  in  her  temper  and  ambitious  in 
her  views.  This  ambition  centred  principally  upon  her  chil- 
dren's success  in  life,  and  was  proportionately  gratified  when 
her  son  became  a  successful  merchant,  and  her  eldest  daughter 
married  a  man  of  property  and  went  to  reside  in  a  neighboring 


MA1JKL    VAUGHAN.  35 

town.  Sabiah  was  still  young  and  could  afford  to  wait  awhile; 
or,  as  her  mother  used  occasionally  to  say  to  her  neighbors, 
"  Now  that  John  is  doing  so  well,  and  Margaret  is  settled  so 
much  to  my  mind,  I  feel  quite  easy  about  my  family.  I  am 
not  particular  about  Sabiah's  marrying  at  all,  or,  if  she  does, 
there  is  plenty  of  time  yet  for  her  to  look  about  and  make  as 
good  a  match  as  her  sister  has  done." 

But,  unfortunately,  a  barrier  had  already  arisen  to  Sabiah's 
ever  making  what  her  mother  considered  a  good  match.  Dur- 
ing those  years  when  Mrs.  Vaughan's  mind  had  been  chiefly 
occupied  with  the  welfare  of  her  other  children,  Sabiah's  affec- 
tions had  become  fixed  upon  one  whose  poverty  was  his  only 
umvorthiness.  But  he  was  a  good  scholar,  and  although  his 
father  was  a  farmer  in  narrow  circumstances,  the  son  aspired 
to  one  day  studying  for  the  ministry ;  and  in  looking  forward 
to  becoming  a  clergyman's  wife,  Sabiah  never  dreamed  of  in- 
sulting the  dignity  of  her  family.  So,  when  the  simple-hearted 
girl  made  a  confidant  of  her  mother,  she  was  as  much  aston- 
ished as  grieved  at  the  torrent  of  reproach  which  her  communi- 
cation called  forth.  She  was  reminded  of  her  brother's  wealth, 
her  sister's  high  position,  and  asked  if  she  were  willing  to  bring 
disgrace  upon  her  father's  house  by  connecting  herself  with 
beggars.  She  was  reluctantly  compelled  to  admit  that  it  would 
be  years  before  her  lover  and  herself  could  reasonably  hope  to 
marry,  and  was  at  length  commanded  by  both  her  parents  to 
break  at  once  an  engagement  to  which  they  would  never  give 
their  consent. 

Sabiah  was  a  gentle-spirited  girl.  She  had  been  taught  from 
her  childhood  to  yield  strict  obedience  to  parental  government. 
She  dared  not  listen  to  those  secret  whisperings  which  termed 
it,  in  this  instance,  parental  tyranny,  and  after  a  few  months  of 
what  was,  by  the  united  voice  of  the  family,  termed  obstinate 
persistence  in  folly,  she  at  length  reluctantly  consented  to  abide 
by  their  decision. 

That  her  heart,  however,  was  not  unfaithful,  the  sorrow  of 
years  oore  witness. 

Her  lover  left  their  village  soon  after  his  mortifying  dismis- 


36  MABEL   VAUGHAN. 

sion,  studied  for  the  ministry,  and  eventually  married  another. 
Sabiah  remained  in  her  father's  house,  patiently  fulfilling  o 
daughter's  duties  and  struggling  with  a  life-long  regret. 

Nor  did  the  filial  obedience  and  filial  respect  which  had 
prompted  this  greatest  of  sacrifices,  diminish  or  falter  during 
many  years  of  severe  privation  and  trial.  So  long  as  her 
father  lived,  her  devotion  to  him  was  most  exemplary ;  a  devo- 
tion which  was  painfully  tested  during  the  months  of  distressing 
illness  which  preceded  his  death,  when  Sabiah's  face  grew  pale, 
and  her  figure  wasted  with  constant  care  and  watching. 

His  affairs  in  the  meantime  suffered  some  disorder,  and  at  his 
death  the  widow  and  her  daughter  were  quite  cut  off  from  their 
usual  means  of  subsistence,  their  only  property  consisting  in 
the  house  and  a  few  acres  of  unproductive  land.  "They  will 
be  very  well  off,  however,"  said  the  neighbors.  "  John  will 
settle  something  upon  his  mother,  and  Margaret  is  rich."  And 
when,  in  the  course  of  years,  Sabiah's  health  became  feeble  and 
her  hair  turned  gray,  and  the  village  gossips  remarked  tha*  her 
temper  was  getting  sadly  soured,  they  said  one  to  another, 
"  Now  what  can  Sabiah  Vaughan  have  to  vex  or  wear  upon 
her,  with  such  a  comfortable  home  and  such  a  quiet  life  as  she 
leads  ?  If  she  had  a  husband  that  was  hard  to  please,  and 
children  that  were  sick  and  fretful,  and  a  great  dairy  like  mine 
to  attend  to,  I  could  conceive  of  her  being  irritable  now  and 
then,  and  looking  old  and  careworn,  but  really  there  is  no  ex- 
cuse for  her  with  nothing  in  the  world  to  trouble  her." 

Was  it  nothing,  then,  that  for  ten  long  years  Sabiah's  monot- 
onous existence  had  been  varied  only  by  the  petty  and  vexa- 
tious cares  and  economies  which  dependence  and  a  narrow 
income  entail  ?  Was  it  nothing,  that  during  all  that  time  she 
had  experienced  constant  trials  of  spirit  in  consequence  of  her 
mother's  arbitrary  temper,  which,  since  her  husband's  death, 
was  deprived  of  its  only  check?  Was  it  nothing,  that  all'  her 
dutiful  efforts  and  habitual  sacrifices  called  forth  no  praise, 
while  for  every  omission  or  neglect  she  was  reproved  as  if  she 
had  still  been  a  child  ?  Was  it  nothing  that,  while  the  osten- 
tatious gifts  of  her  wealthy  brother  and  purse-proud  sister 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  37 

called  forth  grateful  acknowledgements  quite  disproportioned  to 
their  value,  her  life-long  services  were  received  with  coldness 
and  indifference,  and  that  while  the  wealth  and  position  of  these 
more  favored  relatives  were  a  constant  theme  for  the  old  lady's 
self-congratulation  the  prospects  of  Sabiah  were  seldom  referred 
to  saving  for  the  sake  of  contrast  ? 

If  with  simple  faith  and  childish  trust  the  solitary  heart  could 
have  found  repose  in  Him  who  suffereth  not  these  things  in 
vain,  such  outward  trials  might  not  have  had  power  to  mar  her 
inward  peace;  but  as,  while  she  yielded  submission  to  her 
earthly  parents,  she  had  been  debarred  from  that  great  solace 
and  sweetener  of  existence  which  is  found  in  human  love,  so, 
while  she  made  no  outward  rebellion  to  the  lot  apportioned  to 
her  by  a  Heavenly  Father,  she  failed  to  recognize  in  it  the 
hand  of  love  divine. 

Was  it  strange,  then,  that  her  heart  grew  cold  ?  Or  who 
can  wonder  that,  with  affections  chilled,  and  sympathies  blunted, 
she  became  at  last  irritable,  distrustful,  and  reserved  ?  She 
had  drank  from  a  bitter  cup,  and  the  gall  had  penetrated  into 
her  heart. 

That  heart  was  not  wholly  callous,  however.  Its  sensi- 
bilities were  not  wholly  destroyed.  There  was  one  little  oasis 
in  the  desert,  one  little  spring  of  life  and  hope  amid  the  wilder- 
ness. It  was  the  only  one,  but  its  source  lay  deep,  and  its 
power  might  be  made  sufficient  to  fertilize  the  whole  ;  for  there 
was  one  being  in  the  world  in  whose  welfare  Sabiah  still  felt  a 
tender  and  affectionate  interest.  And  that  was  Mabel. 

Strangely  enough,  this  affection  for  her  brother's  child  was 
closely  associated  with  that  deep  parental  respect  and  reverence 
which  formed  so  strong  a  trait  in  Sabiah's  character,  and  which 
years  of  injustice  had  not  power  to  efface.  For  it  was  the  fact 
that  the  child  was  named  for  her  grandmother  Vaughan,  which 
first  gave  her  a  claim  to  Sabiah's  love.  It  seemed  to  ally  her 
more  closely  to  their  side  of  the  house,  and  distinguish  her 
from  her  mother's  fashionable  connections,  for  whom  Sabiah 
felt  a  mingled  awe  and  dislike.  Moreover,  the  circumstances 
of  her  childhood  and  school  life  kept  her  entirely  aloof  from 

4 


38  MABEL    VAUGHAX. 

family  ties  and  prejudices,  thus  giving  to  her  maiden  aunt  a 
tolerable  chance  to  win  some  share  of  the  little  girl's  affections. 

Xor  was  this  strong  predisposition  in  Mabel's  favor  in  any 
degree  lessened  during  those  periodical  visits  to  her  grand- 
mother, to  which  we  have  already  alluded.  She  was  then 
thrown  wholly  upon  the  care  of  her  aunt,  and  was  in  £  great 
degree  dependent  upon  her  companionship,  especially  during 
those  later  years  in  which  Harry  had  ceased  to  accompany  his 
sister.  And  Sabiah  welcomed  the  care,  which  was  her  only 
labor  of  love  throughout  the  year,  and  rejoiced  in  the  compan- 
ionship which  cheered  and  enlivened  her  otherwise  dull  and 
monotonous  life,  while  with  every  succeeding  summer  her 
heart  became  more  and  more  closely  linked  to  the  child. 

Nor  did  Mabel  fail  to  appreciate  this  kindness,  and  recipro- 
cate this  love.  It  was  true  she  often  wearied  of  her  visits, 
and  was  impatient  to  return  to  her  schoolmates,  for  Mrs. 
Vaughan's  house  furnished  but  little  diversion  for  youth.  But 
Sabiah,  nevertheless,  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  that  she 
had  found  a  place  in  the  heart  of  her  niece ;  and  this  happy 
conviction  was  confirmed  by  the  fact,  that  as  Mabel  grew  into 
womanhood,  she  seemed  to  find  not  only  contentment,  but 
pleasure  in  her  society,  and  gave  still  further  evidence  of  her 
gratitude  and  affection  by  many  a  word,  letter,  and  token  of 
remembrance.  How  those  words  sank  into  Sabiah's  heart, 
how  those  letters  were  read  and  re-read,  and  with  what  fond- 
ness those  gifts  were  treasured  up,  Mabel  little  knew.  As 
little  did  she  guess  that  a  deep  love  for  herself  was  the  one 
green  spot  in  a  withered  heart ;  that  it  rested  with  her  to  let 
that  heart  remain  a  wilderness,  or  bid  it  blossom  like  the  rose. 

How  lightly  the  responsibility  rests  upon  her  now ;  and  yet 
she  is  unconsciously  fulfilling  it  in  part,  while  she  sits  with 
upturned  and  attentive  face,  lending  a  ready  ear  to  a  story  of 
misadventure  and  alarm,  her  beautiful  and  expressive  features, 
as  seen  in  the  flickering  fire-light,  proclaiming  her  warm-hearted 
sympathy  in  the  tale. 


CHAPTER    IV. 

The  world  before  her  smiles  —  its  changeful  gaze 
She  hath  not  proved  as  yet ;  her  path  seems  gay 
With  flowers  and  sunshine,  and  the  voice  of  praise 
Is  still  the  joyous  herald  of  her  way. 

MRS.  HEMANS. 

Two  or  three  hours  passed  away.  Miss  Sabiah's  recent 
experience  had  been  fully  detailed,  more  remote  reminiscences 
had  in  turn  been  called  up  and  dwelt  upon,  and  now  the  elder 
lady  began  to  exhibit  manifest  signs  of  weariness.  Mabel, 
although  somewhat  fatigued,  would  not  allow  herself  to  think 
of  sleep  until  she  had  seen  Harry ;  but,  compassionating  her 
aunt,  whom  she  suspected  of  one  or  two  naps  already,  she  pro- 
posed that  they  should  ring  the  bell,  inquire  if  the  gas  was  lit 
above  stairs,  and  then  seek  their  rooms.  She  mentally  resolved 
to  return  to  the  library  and  await  Harry's  arrival,  as  soon  as 
she  had  accompanied  her  aunt  to  her  chamber  and  ascertained 
that  her  wants  were  all  supplied ;  but  she  said  nothing  of  this 
intention,  and  after  receiving  Sabiah's  assent  to  the  first  prop- 
osition, she  rose  to  summon  a  servant.  At  the  same  moment 
the  door-bell  sounded,  and  Mabel,  who  was  listening  intently 
for  her  brother's  footsteps,  heard  a  merry  peal  of  laughter,  and 
several  lively  female  voices.  In  an  instant  more,  a  party  of 
ladies,  in  gay  cloaks  and  full  evening  toilet,  were  unceremoni- 
ously ushered  into  the  room,  to  the  astonishment  of  Mabel  and 
the  discomfiture  of  her  aunt,  whose  fit  of  drowsiness  was  at 
once  dispelled  by  this  unexpected,  and,  to  her,  unwelcome 
arrival. 

Mabel's  first  glance  at  their  visitors  betrayed  only  surprise 
and  bewilderment,  but  her  face  became  radiant  with  pleasure 
as  she  recognized  Mrs.  Leroy,  who  was  foremost  in  the  group, 


40  MABEL    VAUGHAN 

and  who,  smiling  at  the  confusion  their  entrance  had  occa- 
sioned, greeted  her  young  sister  with  a  manner  which  was  at 
once  affectionate  and  marked  by  perfect  grace.  She  then 
turned  towards  her  aunt,  who  maintained  a  stiff  position  in 
front  of  the  sofa,  and  touched  the  tips  of  her  fingers  with  an 
easy  and  careless  air,  at  the  same  time  bestowing  on  her  dress 
and  figure  a  somewhat  contemptuous  scrutiny. 

Meanwhile,  her  companions  claimed  Mabel's  attention.  The 
one,  a  middle-aged  lady,  dressed  in  a  brocade  of  butterfly  hues, 
and  wearing  white  ostrich  feathers  in  her  hair,  waited  for  no 
introduction,  declaring  that  forms  might  be  dispensed  with  in 
her  case,  as  she  loved  her  already  for  her  dear  mother's  sake, 
and  for  the  sake  of  Louise,  who  was  her  most  intimate  friend. 
She  then  presented  her  daughter,  a  sylph  in  tarleton.  who 
pressed  Mabel's  hand  with  a  warmth  which  seemed  an  earnest 
of  the  friendship  that  her  mother  hoped  before  long  to  see 
existing  between  them. 

Mabel  was  both  pleased  and  flattered.  She  believed  them 
to  have  left  the  ball-room  at  an  early  hour,  in  order  to  bestow 
on  her  this  unceremonious  and  cordial  welcome,  and  she  met 
their  advances  with  a  proportionate  degree  of  animation  and 
interest. 

At  this  moment,  w^hile  they  were  still  standing  near  the 
door-way,  the  bustle  which  attended  their  entrance  not  having 
wholly  subsided,  the  bell  rang  again,  and  this  time  Mabel  dis- 
tinctly heard  Harry's  step  in  the  hall.  As  the  familiar  sound 
of  his  voice  at  the  same  instant  met  her  ear,  politeness  gave 
way  to  sudden  and  joyful  excitement,  and  breaking  from  her 
guests  without  explanation  or  apology,  she  ran  hastily  out  of 
the  room. 

They  stared  at  one  another  in  mutual  astonishment;  but 
their  conjectures  concerning  her  behavior  were  short  lived,  for 
before  Louise  could  follow,  to  learn  the  cause  of  her  sister's 
agitation,  Mabel  returned,  leaning  on  the  arm  of  her  tall  and 
handsome  brother,  who,  unconscious  of  the  presence  of  visitors, 
playfully  drew  her  into  the  strongest  light  the  room  afforded, 
and  after  scanning  her  features  with  evident  satisfaction,  and 


MABEL    VAUGHAX.  41 

many  an  exclamation  of  surprise  and  pleasure,  sealed  his  app)*o- 
bation  with  several  hearty  kisses. 

Mrs.  Vannecker,  the  elder  of  Mrs.  Leroy's  companions,  now 
betrayed  her  presence  by  a  loud  and  boisterous  laugh,  accom- 
panied by  a  slight  giggle  from  her  daughter,  while  Louise 
exclaimed,  in  a  tone  which  conveyed  astonishment,  if  not  re- 
proof, "  Well,  Harry,  you  are  very  demonstrative  ! " 

Harry,  nothing  disturbed,  however,  by  the  presence  of  wit- 
nesses, paid  his  respects  to  the  ladies  with  perfect  unconcern, 
still  holding  his  blushing  sister  by  the  hand.  Mrs.  Vannecker 
commenced  some  bantering  comments  upon  his  brotherly  enthu- 
siasm, while  Mabel  addressed  herself  to  the  difficult  task  of 
entertaining  Miss  Victoria.  The  latter,  however,  had  neither 
eyes  nor  ears  for  any  one  but  Harry,  and  the  conversation  soon 
became  general. 

If  Mabel  could  have  had  her  choice,  she  would  have  pre- 
ferred a  more  private  opportunity  for  this  long-desired  meeting 
with  her  brother,  but  now  she  thought  nothing  could  be  more 
agreeable  than  the  pleasant  little  confusion  of  friendly  voices 
which  his  coming  had  only  served  to  increase,  —  nothing  could 
be  more  exciting  than  the  discussion  of  plans  which  immediately 
ensued, — nothing  more  gratifying  to  her  self-love  than  the  fact 
that  all  these  plans  had  more  or  less  reference  to  her  enjoy- 
ment and  advantage. 

And  happy  herself,  she  did  not  even  notice  (naughty  girl) 
that  her  aunt  Sabiah  had  retreated  to  a  distance  from  the  com- 
pany, and  sat  with  her  back  nearly  turned  towards  them, 
moodily  gazing  into  the  fire,  and  apparently  ill  at  ease ;  she  did 
not  even  pause  to  consider  whether  Louise  might  not,  like  her- 
self, have  forgotten  to  introduce  her  to  the  strangers  in  the 
party,  and  thus,  as  it  were,  excluded  her  from  the  conversation. 

Harry,  while  he  expressed  many  regrets  that  neither  his 
father  nor  himself  had  been  at  the  boat-landing  to  meet 
Mabel,  seemed  greatly  satisfied  with  the  result  of  his  after- 
noon's expedition,  declaring  that  it  had  been  the  means  of  his 
securing  such  a  pair  of  horses  as  could  not  be  matched  in  the 
city.  "  Father  gave  me  unlimited  authority  to  make  the  pur- 

4* 


42  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

chase,"  said  he,  "  and  1  was  determined  that  Mabel's  first  drive 
should  be  with  her  own  horses,  and  that  there  should  not  be  a 
finer  pair  to  be  seen  in  Broadway." 

"  Her  first  drive  must  be  on  a  round  of  shopping,"  ex- 
claimed Louise.  "  I,  too,  have  father's  authority  for  making 
purchases  of  equal  or  even  greater  importance.  If  you  will 
postpone  your  excursion  until  the  next  day,"  continued  she, 
laughing,  "  I  will  see  that  Mabel  has  a  bonnet  suitable  to  the 
occasion.  But  Harry  are  you  not  going  to  the  ball  ?  " 

Before  he  could  reply,  Mrs.  Vannecker  began  to  expostulate 
warmly  against  his  remaining  at  home,  and  Miss  Vannecker 
added  in  a  persuasive  tone  —  "  Oh,  I  am  sure  your  sister  will 
excuse  you  —  it  is  to  be  such  a  splendid  affair,  and  she  has 
been  travelling  all  day,  and  must  be  too  much  fatigued  to  enjoy 
even  your  society  any  later." 

It  was  with  some  difficulty  that  Mabel  could  be  brought  to 
realize  that  they  were  going  to  the  ball  at  this  hour  of  the 
night,  instead  of  returning  as  she  had  supposed,  and  as  in  her 
ignorance  of  city  times  and  seasons  she  had  thus  betrayed  her 
own  more  simple  habits,  this  fact  furnished  a  new  argument 
for  Miss  Vannecker,  who  now  insisted  that  it  would  be  but 
common  charity  on  Harry's  part  to  bid  Mabel  good-night,  and 
follow  them  to  the  ball. 

Mabel  accompanied  her  sister  and  her  new  friends  to  the 
hall  door,  to  listen  to  Louise's  plans  for  the  morrow,  and 
receive  their  gay  parting  words,  and  while  Harry  waited  upon 
them  to  the  carriage,  she  returned  to  the  library,  exclaiming, 
"  0,  aunt,  isn't  my  sister  beautiful  ?  " 

"  She  looks  very  well,"  said  Miss  Sabiah  tartly, "  but  I  wish 
she  wasn't  so  conscious  of  it  herself.  It  was  ridiculous  to  see 
her  and  that  Miss  what-do-you-call-her  looking  at  themselves 
in  the  glass  every  two  minutes,  while  they  were  here;"  —  and 
Miss  Sabiah  rose  from  her  chair  with  a  jerk,  which  seemed  to 
say  —  "  well !  now  they're  gone,  I  suppose  we  can  go  to  bed!  " 

"  How  good  they  were,"  said  Mabel,  in  a  half  soliloquy,  as 
i-ht.-  followed  her  aunt  up  stairs,  to  come  here  and  see  us  for  a 
few  minutes,  when  they  wen-  on  their  way  to  a  ball." 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  43 

"The  very  reason  they  came,"  responded  Miss  Sabiah,  in  the 
same  sharp  tone  in  which  she  had  previously  spoken ;  and  a  mo- 
ment after,  as  if  carrying  out  the  same  train  of  thought,  she 
continued,  "  I  hate  to  see  folks  make  such  a  display !  it  don't 
impose  upon  me  though." 

Mabel  could  not  find  it  in  her  heart  to  impute  the  visit  to 
other  than  the  most  disinterested  and  amiable  motives,  and 
remembering  now,  for  the  first  time,  that  her  aunt  had  kept 
aloof,  and  seemed  an  alien  to  their  gay  circle,  the  suspicion 
crossed  her.  mind  that  a  sense  of  neglect  prompted  the  severity 
of  her  remarks. 

Anxious  to  atone  for  this,  she  accompanied  her  to  her  room, 
explained  the  working  of  the  window-shades,  and  the  manage- 
ment of  the  gas  (both  of  which  were  mysteries  to  Sabiah), 
and  proposed  several  plans  to  be  carried  out  on  the  morrow, 
for  the  promotion  of  her  comfort  and  convenience. 

Miss  Sabiah  seemed  gratified  with  these  little  attentions. 
The  hard  expression  of  her  face  softened  somewhat,  and  the 
tone  of  her  voice,  as  she  said  good-night,  was  sufficient  evi- 
dence that  whatever  might  be  the  cause  of  her  dissatisfaction, 
she  attached  no  blame  to  the  conduct  of  her  favorite  niece. 

As  Mabel  descended  the  staircase  which  led  from  her  aunt's 
chamber,  she  observed  a  bright  light  streaming  from  a  room, 
adjoining  the  parlor,  the  door  of  which,  although  locked  in  the 
earlier  part  of  the  evening,  now  stood  ajar ;  at  the  same  mo- 
ment, she  heard  Harry's  voice  calling  to  her  from  within. 

To  her  surprise,  she  found  him  stretched  in  an  indolent  atti- 
tude upon  a  sofa,  attired  in  dressing  gown  and  slippers,  and 
evidently  with  no  intention  of  going  to  the  ball.  The  interest 
with  which  he  had  listened  to  Miss  Vannecker's  entreaties,  and 
the  apparent  assent  which  his  manner  implied,  had  deceived 
her  as  to  his  real  intentions. 

"  What !  go  to  a  ball  the  first  evening  of  your  arrival," 
exclaimed  he,  in  reply  to  her  looks  and  words  of  astonishment, 
"  and  that,  too,  when  I  have  not  seen  you  these  four  years ! 
You  must  think  I  care  a  great  deal  for  balls,  or  very  little  for 
my  sister ;  "  and  as  he  spoke,  he  drew  her  affectionately  to  a 


44  MAREL    VAUGIIAN. 


seat  beside  him.  "  You  are  not  tired,"  continued  he,  "  at  least 
you  do  not  look  so." 

She  did  not  indeed.  Not  only  was  her  face  radiant  with 
pleasure  at  this  proof  of  her  brother's  unchanged  affection,  but 
every  object  around  her  served  to  summon  up  such  emotions 
of  delighted  surprise,  as  quite  put  to  flight  every  thought  of 
weariness.  The  little  room,  which  she  had  now  entered  for  the 
first  time,  seemed  to  the  young  school-girl  a  perfect  vision  of 
enchantment.  The  costly  furnished  parlors,  the  well-filled 
library,  the  wide  stair-cases,  and  lofty  halls,  had  pleased  her  by 
their  magnificence,  and  impressed  her  with  new  convictions  of 
her  father's  wealth.  But  there  was  something  in  this  little 
apartment,  which  appealed  to  that  higher  sense,  and  that  more 
refined  taste  which  were  by  no  means  wanting  in  Mabel,  in 
spite  of  her  light  and  thoughtless  gaiety.  The  draperied  walls 
and  windows  gave  to  the  room  that  air  of  seclusion  and  repose 
wThich  had  been  wanting  to  the  rest  of  the  house,  while  a 
flower-stand  of  delicate  wire-work  was  covered  with  choice 
plants  in  full  bloom,  imparting  to  the  atmosphere  the  freshness 
and  fragrance  of  a  garden.  The  pictures  were  few,  but  their 
subjects  appealed  to  Mabel's  heart,  and  she  felt,  rather  than 
recognized,  the  power  of  a  master's  hand.  There  was  no  glare 
of  mirrors,  no  rich  display  of  gilding  to  dazzle  the  eye,  but 
there  were  vases  of  classic  form,  tables  exquisitely  inlaid,  a 
rich  buhl  writing  desk,  a  miniature  book-case  of  well  chosen 
books,  and  a  few  statuettes,  while  the  silvery  light  which 
streamed  from  an  alabaster  lamp  of  curious  workmanship, 
gave  to  the  whole  a  softened  and  subdued  effect. 

Harry  watched  his  sister  with  evident  satisfaction,  while  she 
made  an  eager  survey  of  each  beautiful  object,  her  eye  kind- 
ling with  pleasure,  and  many  an  expression  of  enthusiastic 
delight  escaping  from  her  lips.  "  0,  Harry,"  exclaimed  she, 
at  last,  "  how  beautiful  y^our  room  is  !  " 

"Mine!"  replied  Harry.  "  You  surely  do  not  think  all  this 
lady-like  trumpery  belongs  to  me.  A  seat  in  the  corner  of  the 
sofa  I  mean  sometimes  to  claim,  but  everything  else  here  is  at 
your  own  disposal." 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  45 

This  was  too  much  for  Mabel's  composure.  She  had  left 
her  brother's  side  to  examine  more  minutely  the  attractive 
decorations  of  the  room,  but  as  he  proclaimed  her  the  mistress 
of  them  all,  she  hastily  stole  behind  him,  where  he  could  not 
see  the  fast  gathering  tears  called  up  by  gratified  feeling,  and 
bending  her  head  over  his  shoulder,  she  strove,  by  earnest 
words  and  caresses,  to  manifest  her  appreciation  of  his  kind- 
ness, for  she  rightly  conjectured  that  this  little  treasure-cabinet 
contained  the  gleanings  of  Harry's  foreign  tour. 

"  You  are  too  lavish  of  your  thanks,  my  dear,"  said  Harry 
in  a  lively  tone,  after  Mabel  had  again  and  again  enlarged 
upon  his  generosity,  taste,  and  forethought.  "  It  cost  me  no 
self-denial  to  spend  my  father's  money,  of  which  I  always  had 
such  a  liberal  supply,  and  I  assure  you,  I  had  very  little  to  do 
with  the  selection  of  these  fancy  articles,  except  it  be  a  few  of 
the  books.  All  you  have  to  thank  me  for,  is  the  fact  that  the 
Terpsichore  did  not  arrive  here  minus  the  tips  of  her  fingers, 
and  that  Apollo  was  saved  a  broken  nose.  It  cost  rne  a  world 
of  pains  to  get  those  things  properly  packed,  and  passed 
through  the  custom-houses  in  safety.  I  would  not  have  done 
it  for  anybody  but  you,  May,  but  since  you  are  pleased,  I  feel 
very  well  paid  for  the  trouble."  "  Can  you  speak  German  ?  " 
continued  he,  rising  and  walking  towards  the  book-case. 

"  No,"  answered  Mabel,  "  but  I  read  it  a  little." 

"  You  must  study  it  with  me,"  said  Harry  ;  "  you  will  soon 
like  it  as  well  as  I  do ;  we  will  read  these  together,"  added 
he,  placing  his  hand  upon  the  works  of  some  of  the  best  Ger- 
man authors,  "and  I  will  teach  you  to  enjoy  Schiller  and 
Klopstock." 

"  So  you  will  take  me  for  a  pupil !  "  exclaimed  Mabel.  "Oh, 
that  will  be  delightful ;  and  this  shall  be  our  school-room." 

Harry  had  taken  a  richly  bound  volume  from  the  shelf,  and 
was  now  glancing  at  it  with  the  eager  and  almost  fond  interest 
of  one  who  cherishes  a  keen  appreciation  of  an  author;  for 
Harry's  intellectual  tastes  had  of  late  developed  rapidly.  As 
he  closed  the  book  and  replaced  it,  he  said, — 

"  The  only  difficulty  in  the  way  of  your  studious  plans,  is 


46  MABEL    VAUGIIAX. 

that  Louise  and  the  Vannecker  set  will  have  the  advantage  of 
me,  and  engross  all  your  time.  Louise  is  a  complete  woman 
of  fashion, — just  what  you  will  be  in  a  week,"  added  he,  play- 
fully. 

Mabel  eagerly  and  almost  indignantly  repelled  the  sugges- 
tion. A  woman  of  fashion  she  should  never  be, —  not  if  he 
meant  by  that  a  mere  worldling.  She  should  enjoy  society,  of 
course,  as  she  supposed  Louise  did ;  but  that  need  not  interfere 
with  her  reading,  studying,  and  faithfully  keeping  up  an  exten- 
sive correspondence  with  her  school  friends. 

Harry  smiled  good-naturedly,  but  with  an  incredulous  look, 
and  an  admiring  glance  at  her  beautiful  face  and  figure,  —  a 
glance  that  seemed  to  say  "  the  world  will  claim  you,  whether 
you  will  or  not." 

But  there  was  no  replying  to  a  smile,  however  expressive  it 
might  be,  and  Mabel,  not  appearing  to  observe  its  meaning, 
turned  to  the  Terpsichore,  which  stood  in  a  little  alcove,  and, 
after  expatiating  upon  the  shame  it  would  have  been  if  such 
an  exquisite  thing  had  been  injured  in  its  removal,  she  inquired 
to  whom  she  was  indebted  for  its  selection. 

"  You  tell  me  that  you  did  not  consult  your  own  taste ;  do 
you  mean  that  these  gems  were  recommended  to  you  by  the 
artists  themselves  ?  " 

"  No,  indeed ;  but  I  had  the  benefit  of  counsel  more  reliable 
than  my  own,  or  the  artists'  either.  Dudley  was  with  me  in 
Florence,-  and  in  most  of  the  studios  I  visited  abroad.  His 
taste  is  perfect ;  more  than  that,  May,  he  seemed  to  flatter  him- 
self that  he  thoroughly  understood  yours.  It  was  really  ridic- 
ulous, the  way  in  which  he  insisted  upon  my  bringing  that 
musical  genius  home ;  he  declared  we  had  seen  nothing  in  all 
our  travels  so  suited  to  your  refined  and  youthful  taste  ;  and 
the  Iris,  too,  —  nothing  would  do  but  I  should  secure  that  gos- 
samer belle,  at  any  rate.  He  confidently  assured  me  that  they 
would  be  of  priceless  value,  in  your  eyes.  I  long  to  have  you 
see  Dudley,  Mabel ;  he  is  a  splendid  fellow." 

Mabel  turned  away  to  examine  the  picture,  and,  at  the  same 


MAI5EL    VAUGHAN.  47 

time,  to  liidc  a  blush  at  what  she  felt  to  be  no  ordinary  compli- 
ment from  a  man  like  Lincoln  Dudley. 

Although  some  years  her  brother's  senior,  Dudley  had  been 
his  companion,  not  only  during  a  few  months  spent  in  Paris, 
when  Harry  first  went  abroad,  but  also,  more  recently,  on  a 
most  interesting  pedestrian  excursion  through  Switzerland, 
Germany,  and  some  parts  of  Italy.  Thus,  for  years,  his 
praises  had  been  familiar  to  her,  through  Harry's  letters;  and, 
from  this  source,  too,  she  had  become  inspired  with  the  great- 
est respect  for  his  uncommon  talents,  and  a  most  romantic  in- 
terest in  his  somewhat  eccentric  character.  She  was  well 
aware  that  her  weekly  correspondence  with  her  brother  had 
brought  her  to  Dudley's  knowledge,  and,  in  some  degree,  to  his 
acquaintance  ;  still  she  felt  not  a  little  flattered  at  his  having 
thus  studied  her  character,  and  divined  her  tastes,  among  which, 
enthusiasm  for  art  was  inherent,  though,  as  yet,  but  little  culti- 
vated. 

"  When  does  Mr.  Dudley  return  ?  "  asked  she,  with  apparent 
carelessness. 

"  In  a  few  weeks.  We  should  have  come  together,  but  he 
was  unexpectedly  detained  in  Paris.  You  will  be  unlike  most 
ladies,  if  you  do  not  admire  Dudley ;  he  is,  generally  speaking, 
very  popular.  I  wonder  what  he  will  think  of  those  horses  I 
bought  to-day  ?  " 

"Is  he  a  judge  of  horse-flesh?"  asked  Mabel,  in  some  sur- 
prise. 

.  "  No  more  than  he  is  of  everything.  I  doubt  whether  he 
understands  a  single  point  about  a  horse ;  still  he  could  tell  at 
a  glance  whether  a  gentleman's  equipage  was  complete,  and  I 
would  trust  to  his  judgment  in  a  purchase  of  any  sort." 

Here  Harry's  panegyric  of  his  friend  was  interrupted  by 
his  father's  return  home.  He  glanced  at  his  watch,  discovered 
the  lateness  of  the  hour,  and,  blaming  himself  for  keeping  Ma- 
bel up  so  late,  went  away  in  spite  of  her  assurance  that  she  was 
not  in  the  least  fatigued.  A  few  moments  after,  Mr.  Vaughan, 
hearing  her  voice,  and  seeing  a  light  in  the  room,  looked  in  to 


48  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

reprimand  her  for  not  being  asleep,  and  bade  her  a  kindly 
good-night ;  after  which,  she  was  left  to  her  own  thoughts. 

Exciting  thoughts  they  were ;  and  such  as,  it  may  well  be 
imagined,  robbed  Mabel  of  sleep  during  many  an  hour  of  that 
first  night  spent  under  her  father's  roof. 

What  indulgence,  what  love,  what  pride  were  evinced  in  the 
demeanor  of  each  member  of  her  family  towards  her !  What 
plans  had  they  already  formed  for  her  happiness !  With  what 
bounty  had  every  want  been  foreseen,  and  provided  for  !  Now 
the  thought  of  her  father's  affectionate  liberality  was  uppermost 
in  her  mind ;  then  came  the  recollection  of  her  manly  brother, 
his  warm-hearted  welcome,  and  the  promise  of  future  happy 
days  in  his  society ;  and  this,  in  its  turn,  was  dispelled  by  the 
vision  of  her  graceful  sister,  who  seemed  a  fitting  type  of  that 
select  and  elegant  circle  into  which  Mabel  was  soon  to  be  in- 
troduced, and  in  which  she  already  foresaw  the  future  triumphs 
that  awaited  her. 

But  there  were  some  things  which  she  did  not  think  of,  the 
very  things  which  Mrs.  Herbert  had  feared  she  would  forget, 
and  had  labored  to  impress  upon  her  memory.  She  did  not 
think  of  her  kind  teacher's  last  injunction,  last  warning,  and 
last  lesson.  She  quite  forgot  the  duty  which  every  blessing 
entails,  the  obligation  which  is  bound  up  in  every  privilege, 
and  while  her  cup  was  running  over,  she  forgot  to  ask  whose 
hand  had  filled  it.  Not  that  her  heart  was  cold,  or  that  gen- 
erous emotions  were  lost  in  selfish  satisfaction.  The  tenderest 
love  shone  in  her  affectionate  smile,  gratitude  sparkled  in  the 
quick-starting  tear,  and  the  unquestioning  trust  with  which  her 
young  heart  reposed  in  each  new  assurance  of  affection,  proved 
the  depth  of  her  faithful,  confiding  nature. 

But,  alas  !  her  love  is  not  for  Him  who  has  meted  out  her 
lot  so  graciously ;  her  moist  eye  is  not  uplifted  in  thankfulness  to 
the  Source  whence  all  these  blessings  flow ;  her  ardent  trust  is 
not  in  Him,  without  whom  all  confidence  is  vain.  Not  yet  has 
Mabel  learned  the  sacredness  of  her  mission  ;  not  yet  has  she 
realized  its  duties,  or  its  pangs.  For  the  present  it  is  her 
business  to  be  happy,  and  her  joy  to  be  beloved. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  49 

Well  for  her,  if,  when  pleasure's  altars  are  shattered, — 
when  self-love  awakens  from  its  dream,  and  life  be -no  longer  a 
pastime,  her  spirit  can  bow  in  meek  submission,  and  the 
inner  temple  of  the  heart  be  consecrated  to  the  service  of  Him 
whose  love  can  impart  to  a  life  of  toil  and  trial  a  foretaste 
of  the  joys  of  Heaven  l 


CHAPTER  \>, 

So  forth  she  sallied,  blithe  and  gay, 
And  met  dame  Fashion  by  the  way ; 
And  many  a  kind  and  friendly  greeting 

Passed  on  their  meeting : 
Nor  let  the  fact  your  •vronder  more> 
Fashion  and  she  are  hand  and  glove. 

MRS.  BJLRBAULD. 

MRS.  LEROY'S  home  was  on  the  second  floor  of  a  fashion- 
able hotel.  The  cares  of  housekeeping  were  so  irksome  to 
Louise,  and  so  ill-fulfilled,  that  her  husband  at  length  acceded 
to  her  often-repeated  entreaty  that  she  might  be  promoted  to 
the  independence  and  luxury  of  hotel-life ;  and  she  had  now 
been  for  two  successive  winters  the  occupant  of  an  elegant 
suite  of  rooms,  in  close  proximity  to  the  apartments  of  her 
friend,  Mrs.  Yannecker,  whose  example  had  stimulated  the 
fickle  Louise,  and  encouraged  her  inherent  love  of  change. 

Mr.  Leroy,  who  at  first  opposed  this  arrangement,  had  now 
become  its  warmest  advocate  ;  for,  while  his  natural  indolence 
had  prevented  his  exercising  any  efficient  check  upon  his 
wife's  domestic  mismanagement,  he  had  been  the  chief  sufferer 
from  the  anarchy  and  confusion  which  pervaded  his  establish- 
ment ;  and  he  found  under  the  present  system,  if  not  an  in- 
crease of  actual  happiness,  a  release  from  many  petty  annoy- 
ances, and  a  marked  lessening  of  his  yearly  expenditure. 
And  whatever  accustomed  comforts  his  new  home  failed  to 
supply,  were  amply  compensated  for  at  his  club,  of  which  he 
was  a  constant  frequenter. 

Louise  found  here,  as  she  had  elsewhere,  continual  sources 
of  discontent,  and  was  often  restless  and  dissatisfied ;  espe- 
cially did  she  murmur  at  the  peculiar  misfortune  and  hard- 

50 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  51 

ship  which  restricted  her  in  her  present  mode  of  life  from 
many  social  privileges  to  which  she  had  been  accustomed  in 
her  own  house,  and  it  was,  therefore,  with  proportionate  joy 
that  she  received  the  first  intimation  of  her  father's  intentions 
and  plans. 

The  reception  of  guests  under  his  roof  would  be  less  onerous 
and  far  more  agreeable  than  furnishing  entertainments  of  her 
own.  Mabel,  being  but  a  school-girl,  must  be  properly  intro- 
duced into  society,  and  who  could  be  so  capable  as  herself  of 
superintending  the  festivities  attendant  upon  her  entrance  into 
city  life?  What,  indeed,  was  to  prevent  the  rooms  of  her 
wealthy  parent  from  becoming  the  scene  of  all  those  fashiona- 
ble and  social  gatherings,  over  which  Louise  felt  herself  well 
fitted  to  preside  ? 

Certainly  not  any  opposition  on  her  father's  part,  —  for  Mr. 
Vaughan,  while  he  dreaded  to  see  Mabel  become  a  mere  fine 
lady,  or  Harry  an  idle  fop,  was,  nevertheless,  too  easy-tempered 
and  yielding  to  oppose  any  schemes  which  would  tend  to  his 
children's  gratification  and  happiness,  and,  in  matters  of  ex- 
pense, it  was  neither  his  nature  nor  habit  to  place  restrictions 
upon  the  extravagance  of  his  family,  —  certainly  not  any  want 
of  energy  on  the  part  of  Mrs.  Leroy,  whose  capacities  were 
never  so  thoroughly  called  out  as  on  an  occasion  like  the  pres- 
ent, when  she  was  actuated  by  the  three-fold  motive  of  estab- 
lishing her  young  relative  in  the  gay  world,  promoting  her 
own  enjoyment,  and  strengthening  her  influence  in  her  father's 
house. 

Nor  was  she  destined  to  disappointment.  It  was  the  univer- 
sal voice  among  the  leaders  of  fashion,  that  nothing  could  be  in 
better  taste  than  Mr.  Vaughan's  house  and  equipage,  nothing 
more  successful  than  the  grand  reception,  held  in  honor  of 
Mabel  and  gracefully  conducted  by  Louise,  nothing  more  cer- 
tain than  the  fact,  that  the  former  would  rank  as  the  unrivalled 
belle  of  the  season,  and  the  latter  continue  one  of  its  choicest 
ornaments. 

Thus,  borne  on  the  tide  of  happy  fortunes,  and  launched  into 
gay  life  under  the  most  flattering  auspices,  our  young  school- 


52  MABEL   VAUGHAN. 

girl  achieved,  almost  without  conscious  effort,  the  position  to 
which  nature  and  circumstances  seemed  to  destine  her. 

"  Let  me  see ! "  exclaimed  Harry  one  morning,  looking  up 
from  a  daily  journal  and  glancing  mischievously  at  Mabel,  "  it 
is  a  week  to-day  since  your  arrival  in  this  great  city, — yes, 
just  a  week,"  added  he,  " and  my  prediction  fulfilled  already!" 

"What  prediction?"  asked  Miss  Sabiah,  lifting  her  eyes 
from  an  intricate  piece  of  knitting  work  and  fixing  them  some- 
what anxiously  upon  Harry,  who,  lounging  over  a  late  break- 
fast, was,  at  the  same  time,  carelessly  scanning  the  morning 
paper. 

"A  piece  of  shrewd  foresight  on  my  part,  aunt,  which  in- 
formed me,  that  seven  days  and  seven  nights  only  would  be 
required  for  the  transformation  of  a  chrysalis  into  a  butterfly." 

Aunt  Sabiah,  to  whom  Harry's  vague  and  ironical  replies 
were  often  unintelligible,  moved  no  further  inquiry,  but  looked 
down  at  her  work,  with  the  vexed  and  injured  expression  of 
one  who  has  failed  to  obtain  a  satisfactory  answer. 

Mabel,  who  better  understood  the  allusion,  continued  to  oc- 
cupy herself  with  feeding  Harry's  great  dog,  holding  high 
above  the  head  of  her  huge  playfellow  the  dainty  bits  she  had 
taken  from  the  table,  and  obstinately  refusing  to  meet  the  eye 
of  her  brother,  which  she  knew  to  be  fixed  upon  her. 

aTwo  wedding  receptions,  and  an  evening  concert,  on  Tues- 
day," reckoned  Harry,  counting  with  his  fingers ;  "  fashionable 
promenade,  opera,  and  ball,  on  Wednesday." 

a  Let  me  disentangle  that  worsted  for  you,  aunt,"  exclaimed 
Mabel,  atill  feigning  inattention,  and  taking  a  low  seat  near 
Miss  Vaughan. 

"  Three  magnificent  parties  on  Thursday,"  continued  Harry, 
"and  the  grand  ball  of  the  season  on  Friday!  Well  done, 
Mabel !  well  done !  I  said  one  week  would  make  a  fine  lady 
of  you ;  what  a  pity  I  did  n't  take  a  bet  on  it." 

"  I  deny  the  charge,"  said  Mabel,  warmly,  "  it  is  n't  true,  is 
it,  Tartar  ?  "  and  she  patted  the  head  of  the  dog ;  "  fine  ladies 
do  n't  play  with  great  dogs,  nor  understand  the  mysteries  of 
knitting  work  eithe%"  and,  as  she  spoke,  she  drew  the  needles 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  53 

from  the  entangled  worsted,  unravelled  a  piece  of  the  work,  and 
began  patiently  to  take  up  the  stitches. 

"  Ah !  but  I  have  the  proof,"  said  Harry  triumphantly,  rising 
from  the  table;  "here  we  have  it  in  black  and  white,  and  what 
the  newspaper  says  must  be  true,"  and  he  laid  before  her  the 
paragraph  in  question. 

It  was  a  description  of  last  night's  brilliant  ball,  and  among 
the  noted  beauties  of  the  evening,  Mabel's  name  stood  first. 
As  she  read  the  flattering  description  of  her  own  personal  and 
mental  charms,  an  indignant  flush  overspread  her  face.  "An 
impertinent  paragraph  like  that  proves  nothing  I"  exclaimed 
she,  with  spirit. 

"  It  merely  affixes  a  seal  to  the  fact,*  rejoined  Harry,  "  that 
our  school-girl  of  a  week  ago  has  ripened  into  the  woman  of 
fashion,"  and  he  pointed  to  the  heading  of  the  article,  "  Our 
Fashionable  World." 

"Then  you  meant  Mabel,"  said  Miss  Sabiah  sharply,  "when 
you  talked  about  the  chrysalis  and  the  butterfly.  A  mighty 
civil  speech,  I  must  say.  You  may  think  it  a  compliment  to 
call  her  a  butterfly  now,  but  I  've  never  seen  the  time  yet  when 
she  deserved  the  name  of  a  chrysalis,  —  an  ugly  chrysalis.  For 
my  part  I  liked  her  quite  as  well  last  week  as  this.  I  expect 
you  will  spoil  her  among  you,"  muttered  she  in  an  under  tone. 

"  Why,  Aunt  Sabiah,"  said  Harry,  with  animation,  and  in  a 
voice  whose  irony  was  lost  upon  Miss  Sabiah,  "  you  do  n't  mean 
so  !  Do  you  really  pretend  to  say  that  you  were  as  fond  and 
as  proud  of  Mabel,  when  she  was  fresh  from  Mrs.  Herbert's, 
as  now  that  she  has  the  dress,  the  polish,  and  the  homage  of  a 
city?  She  was  a  very  good  girl,  and  one  of  the  family,  and  of 
course,  we  felt  a  regard  for  her.  But  just  think  what  she  is 
now.  The  belle  of  the  metropolis,  the  queen  of  fashion,  with 
dozens  of  brainless  coxcombs  at  her  beck  and  call,  and  hun- 
dreds of  intimate  friends,  who  live  upon  her  smiles!  Think 
what  a  transformation,  what  a  victory  ! " 

"  Do  n't  be  so  absurd,  Harry,"  interrupted  Mabel,  amused 
herself  but  dreading  lest  her  aunt  should  take  her  brother  in 
earnest,  or  worse  still,  be  offended  at  his  playful  sarcasms ;  "  we 
5*  ' 


54  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

butterflies,  for  you  are  one  no  less  than  myself,  will  fold  our 
wings  for  awhile  •  this  promises  to  be  my  first  rainy  day  in 
New  York,  and  \ve  will  have  a  charming  sociable  time  at  home, 
to  make  amends  for  a  week's  gaiety." 

"  A  rainy  day ! "  cried  Harry,  walking  to  the  window,  and 
looking  anxiously  at  the  clouds;  "no,  I  hope  not,  our  Jersey 
excursion  is  to  come  off  this  afternoon,  and  fine  weather  is  in- 
dispensable ;  but,  Mabel,  how  does  it  happen  that  you  are  dis- 
engaged ?  where  is  the  arch  enemy  ?  " 

"  How  should  I  know  what  you  mean,  Harry?  What  strange 
titles  you  do  bestow  on  people  ! " 

"  No  more  than  is  deserved  in  this  instance.  Who  is  the 
chief  en^my  of  our  domestic  peace,  the  ringleader  in  all  these 
fashionable  plots,  despoiling  us  of  your  society,  and  inflicting 
upon  us  her  own  at  will  ?  If  you  can't  guess  who  I  mean,  my 
aunt  can.  She  is  no  more  friendly  to  the  Vannecker  influence 
than  I  am." 

"  O,  Harry,"  said  Mabel,  laughing,  "  how  ungrateful,  when 
Mrs.  Vannecker  and  Victoria  both  admire  you  so  much." 
Harry  shrugged  his  shoulders.  "You  are  safe  for  to-day," 
continued  Mabel ;  Mrs.  Vannecker  and  Louise  are  going  to 
make  visits,  at  some  distance  out  of  town ;  happily  I  am  off 
duty.  What  a  pity  you  are  engaged  on  that  excursion  party ; 
we  might  have  commenced  studying  our  German  ! " 

"  Hear  her !"  exclaimed  Harry,  with  mock  gravity,  "  the  de- 
voted and  ardent  student,  only  debarred  from  indulging  her 
intellectual  tastes  by  the  unavoidable  absence  of  her  tutor !  " 

"Indeed,  Harry!"  replied  Mabel,  "I  assure  you  I  have 
looked  at  those  books  again  and  again,  with  longing  eyes ;  but 
I  can't  find  a  moment's  time  for  anything  but  what  Mrs.  Van- 
necker calls  the  claims  of  society." 

"  Oh,  hang  Mrs.  Vannecker ! "  retorted  Harry,  warmly. 

"And  her  accomplices  too?"  questioned  Mabel,  archly. 

"  No,  spare  the  innocent,"  said  Harry,  yawning ;  "  give  our 
soft-headed  Louise  the  privileges  of  youth,  and  a  chance  under 
another  leader ;  by  the  way,  what  a  languishing  little  piece  of 
nonsense — "then,  meeting  Mabel's  astonished  and  reproachful 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  55 

glance,  he  hesitated,  laughed,  and  interrupted  himself  with,  "  Oh, 
she's  our  sister,  is  n't  she  ?  mum's  the  word." 

The  quick  and  emphatic  nodding  of  Miss  Sabiah's  head 
manifested  her  approval  of  Harry's  half  uttered  sentiments,  and 
it  was  with  something  like  animation  that  she  said,  in  a  partial 
soliloquy,  "  So,  at  last,  we  are  going  to  have  a  quiet  day  ! " 

"  Yes,"  responded  Mabel.  "  It  will  be  a  fine  chance  for  me 
to  read  those  old  letters  of  Grandma  Yaughan's,  and  to  pin  up 
the  bows  for  your  new  cap.  We  '11  have  luncheon  up  stairs, 
aunt,  and  not  come  down  until  dinner  time." 

Miss  Sabiah's  face  lighted  up  with  unmistakable  satisfaction 
at  this  proposition,  but  became  proportionably  overshadowed 
with  disappointment  when,  a  moment  after,  the  impulsive  Ma- 
bel exclaimed  to  her  brother,  "  Harry,  I  have  a  great  mind — " 

"  Well,"  replied  he,  stepping  into  the  hall  and  returning  with 
his  overcoat  on  his  arm,  "we  know  you  have  a  great  mind, 
what  does  it  suggest  ?" 

"  That  I  should  walk  down  town  with  you  as  far  as 

Hotel." 

Harry  lifted  his  eyebrows  expressively,  saying,  "but  I 
thought  my  lady  Finery  had  driven  six  miles  out  of  town." 

"  I  know  it,"  said  Mabel,  "  but  I  want  so  much  to  see  the 
children,  and  they  would  be  at  home  this  morning." 

"Very  well,"  said  Harry,  "  I  am  going  directly  by  there,  and 
shall  be  charmed  with  your  company  ;  but  it  may  rain  ;  why 
not  take  the  carriage  ?" 

"  Louise  has  our  carriage." 

"Our  carriage!"  exclaimed  he,  in  a  half  provoked  tone; 
"  there's  a  plot  for  you  !  what  has  become  of  her  own  ?" 

"One  of  Mr.  Leroy's  horses  is  lame,  and  he  has  sent  them 
both  into  the  country  for  the  winter." 

Harry  whistled  expressively,  and  Mabel,  with  unfeigned 
alacrity,  declared  a  preference  for  walking;  she  was  not  at  all 
afraid  of  the  rain — was  accustomed  to  brave  all  sorts  of  weather, 
and  did  not  choose  to  become  a  hot-house  plant. 

"  I  hope  you  '11  be  paid  for  your  trouble,"  said  Miss  Sabiah, 


56  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

in  a  tone  of  characteristic  tartness,  "  It  '11  be  one  while  before  I 
put  myself  in  the  way  of  those  children  again." 

"  How  so,  aunt  ?  "  questioned  Harry,  in  a  tone  of  lively  in- 
terest. Harry  took  a  mischievous  pleasure  in  encouraging 
Sabiah's  occasional  outbursts  of  antipathy  and  pique. 

Mabel,  who  was  just  leaving  the  room  to  prepare-  for  her 
walk,  did  not  hear  her  aunt's  reply,  but  on  returning,  equipped 
for  the  excursion,  she  found  Harry  convulsed  with  half  sup- 
pressed laughter,  and  was  greeted  with  the  exclamation  on  his 
part, 

"Ah,  Mabel,  you  are  prepared  for  an  encounter  with  wild 
beasts,  I  hope ;  according  to  good  authority  }^ou  are  going  to 
face  a  monkey  and  a  bear  this  morning ;  both  are  dangerous, 
but  one  is  open  and  frequent  in  his  mischievous  attacks,  while 
the  other  sucks  his  claws  and  meditates  deeper  injury ;  that  is 
a  fair  state  of  the  case,  as  proved  by  melancholy  experience ;" 
and  again  Harry  laughed  immoderately. 

Miss  Sabiah's  face  wore  the  half-vexed,  half-puzzled  expres- 
sion which  was  invariably  called  up  by  Harry's  raillery,  and 
Mabel,  who  was  always  a  little  apprehensive  when  he  thus 
ventured  to  sharpen  his  wit  on  the  flat  surface  of  her  aunt's 
obtuseness,  hurried  him  away,  playfully  remarking,  that  thus 
warned  she  should  certainly  be  on  her  guard. 

Miss  Sabiah  gathered  up  her  work,  and,  with  the  customary 
cloud  on  her  countenance,  was  proceeding  up  stairs  to  the 
retirement  of  her  own  room,  when  Mabel  paused  at  the  hall 
door  to  assure  her  that  she  should  soon  return,  and  while  in 
Broadway  would  avail  herself  of  the  opportunity  to  purchase  a 
tew  yards  of  ribbon  which  would  be  required  for  the  cap  she 
proposed  to  trim. 

Miss  Sabiah  looked  gratified  at  Mabel's  thoughtfulness,  and 
the  latter  good-naturedly  waited,  while  her  aunt  counted  out 
from  an  old-fashioned  purse  the  precise  sum  required  for  the 
purchase,  and  gave  the  most  minute  instructions  concerning 
the  quantity  and  quality  of  the  article, —  Harry,  meantime, 
impatiently  shaking  the  door-lock  with  his  hand. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  57 

"  So  you  have  not  seen  these  wonderful  boys  yet  ? "  said 
Harry  to  Mabel,  as  they  walked  down  the  street. 

Mabel  recounted  several  disappointments  she  had  experi- 
enced, with  regard  to  seeing  her  little  nephews,  and  declared 
herself  quite  excited  with  curiosity  and  interest  concerning 
them. 

"  They  must  have  made  a  riotous  invasion  into  Aunt  Sabiah's 
room  yesterday,"  said  Harry,  again  giving  way  to  merriment, 
as  he  recalled  Miss  Vaughan's  description  of  the  scene.  "  She 's 
down  on  them  this  morning.  She 's  too  hard  upon  that  little 
Murray,  though;  he's  a  splendid  fellow  —  the  other,  to  be 
sure,  has  rather  a  hang-dog  look." 

Some  passing  object  here  diverted  Harry's  attention,  and, 
amid  various  subjects  of  conversation  and  interest,  the  youthful 
couple  ceased  to  speak  or  even  think  of  their  young  relatives. 

Indeed,  Mabel's  girlish  spirits  were  so  elated  by  the  keen 
morning  air,  and  the  lively  sallies  of  Harry,  that  in  the  pleasure 
of  the  walk  she  half  forgot  its  object,  and  was  fairly  taken  by 
surprise  when  she  found  herself  at  the  entrance  of  the  hotel, 
and  her  companion  pausing  to  bid  her  good-morning.  Exer- 
cise had  imparted  a  more  than  wonted  glow  to  her  cheeks,  and 
her  face  wore  its  most  beaming  expression,  as,  standing  for  a 
moment  with  her  hand  in  Harry's,  she  gayly  urged  him  to 
return  home  in  season  to  make  one  of  their  family  circle  in  the 
evening.  He  readily  promised  to  do  so,  and  as  she  disappeared 
within  the  doorway,  the  affectionate  glance  which  followed  her 
for  an  instant,  bespoke  a  marked  degree  of  brotherly  tenderness 
and  pride. 

"Have  you  turned  astronomer,  Vaughan ?"  asked  a  well- 
known  voice,  close  at  his  side,  u  you  appear  to  be  watching  the 
disappearance  of  a  star  of  the  first  magnitude." 

"  Dudley,  my  dear  fellow ! "  was  Harry's  quick  and  eager 
exclamation,  and  in  the  cordial  greeting  which  followed,  the  lat- 
ter paid  no  heed  to  his  friend's  first  inquiry.  Having  satisfied 
Harry's  astonishment  with  regard  to  his  sudden  arrival,  Dud- 
ley again  glanced  in  the  direction  in  which  Mabel  had  disap- 


58  MABEL   VAUGHAN. 

peared,  and  asked,  with  evident  interest,  "  "Who  is  yonder  bril- 
liant constellation  ?  " 

"  A  new  arrival,  almost  a  stranger  in  the  city,"  answered 
Harry,  with  feigned  indifference ;  "  you  will  soon  see  her,  I 
have  no  doubt,  moving  in  her  orbit." 

"  Not  I,"  responded  Dudley,  carelessly ;  "  I  start  for  Wash- 
ington this  afternoon,  and  there  is  no  knowing  when  I  shall 
return." 

Harry  felt  disappointed,  for  he  was  really  impatient  to  intro- 
duce his  friend  to  Mabel. 

"  I  have  half  an  hour  to  spare,"  said  Dudley,  looking  at  his 
watch,  "  and  a  hundred  things  to  say  to  you,  Vaughan,"  and 
putting  his  arm  within  Harry's,  he  accompanied  him  down 
Broadway. 


CHAPTER    VI. 

Oh,  when  she 's  angry,  she  is  keen  and  shrewd ! 
She  was  a  vixen  when  she  went  to  school, 
And  though  she  be  but  little,  she  is  fierce. 

SHAKSPEARB. 

As  Mabel,  after  parting  with  Harry,  ascended  the  wide 
staircase  leading  in  the  direction  of  her  sister's  rooms,  she 
heard  a  loud  noise,  as  if  some  one  were  striking  the  floor  above 
with  a  heavy  stick.  In  a  moment  more  a  little  figure  appeared 
in  sight,  riding  upon  a  stout  cane.  He  was  galloping,  in  imita- 
tion of  the  motions  of  a  horse,  and  at  every  step  the  cane  rattled 
upon  the  floor  behind  him.  At  the  same  time  he  was  shouting 
to  the  imaginary  steed  in  a  voice  which  at  least  bespoke  healthy 
lungs.  He  was  a  beautiful  child,  with  long  curls  of  fair  hair 
hanging  upon  his  shoulders,  and  his  dress,  though  disordered 
and  somewhat  slovenly,  was  gay  and  fanciful  in  the  extreme. 
That  he  was  wholly  unmanageable  was  evident  from  the  fact 
that  he  paid  no  attention  to  the  voice  of  a  young,  tired-looking 
girl,  who  was  following  and  vainly  calling  upon  him  to  stop. 
Just  as  Mabel  reached  the  top  of  the  staircase,  the  girl  over- 
took the  child,  and  attempted,  with  a  restraining  arm,  to  check, 
him  in  his  course.  At  this  moment,  and  when  the  long  pas- 
sage-way was  ringing  with  the  sudden  and  violent  cries  of  the 
now  angry  and  excited  boy,  a  door  opened  from  a  neighboring 
room  and  a  gentleman  exclaimed,  in  a  severe  tone,  "  Really, 
if  you  cannot  keep  that  child  still,  I  must  complain  to  the  land- 
lord, —  my  wife  is  very  ill,  and  that  boy  has  been  troubling  us 
all  the  morning."  The  poor  girl  looked  in  despair,  especially 
as  the  little  horseman  had,  in  the  meantime,  escaped  from  her 
grasp,  and  was  continuing  his  sport,  regardless  of  the  impatient 


60  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

voice  and  threatening  manner  in  which  the  gentleman  now 
called  to  him,  in  the  words  —  "  Stop,  sir  ! " 

In  the  meantime,  Mabel,  half-smiling  at  the  scene,  kept  on 
her  way  towards  her  sister's  apartments,  which  were  in  an 
opposite  direction,  and  passing  the  spacious  parlor  and  bed- 
room, paused  at  the  door  of  a  chamber  beyond,  which  she  knew 
to  be  used  as  a  nursery.  She  knocked  slightly,  but  perceiving 
at  the  same  moment  that  the  door  was  ajar,  opened  it  and  went 
in.  Directly  opposite  to  her,  seated  at  a  high  table,  and  with 
his  feet  dangling  from  his  chair,  was  one  of  the  young  gentle- 
men whom  she  had  come  to  seek.  He  could  not  have  been 
more  than  eight  years  of  age,  but  as  he  sat  with  his  forehead 
resting  on  both  hands,  and  his  eyes  fixed  upon  a  book,  there 
was  in  his  stooping  attitude,  and  the  grave,  fixed  expression  of 
his  face,  something  which  it  was  painful  and  unnatural  to  wit- 
ness in  so  young  a  child.  There  was  but  little  life  or  anima- 
tion in  his  features ;  his  complexion  was  dark  and  sallow,  and 
his  thin  fingers  were  thrust  through  his  long  hair  in  such  a 
manner  that  it  fell  over  them  in  distinct  and  heavy  locks, 
shadowing  and  nearly  concealing  his  otherwise  high  and  open 
brow.  He  did  not  move  or  change  his  position  as  Mabel 
entered,  but  glancing  at  her  from  beneath  his  hand  with  a 
wholly  indifferent  air,  said,  abruptly,  "  Mother 's  gone  out ; " 
and  then  kept  on  with  his  reading. 

Before  Mabel  had  time  to  reply,  she  was  roughly  thrust 
aside  by  the  same  little  urchin  whom  she  had  seen  in  the  entry, 
and  who  now  rushed  by  her  into  the  room,  still  riding  on  the 
stick,  with  which  he  made  the  circuit  of  the  apartment  two  or 
three  times,  drawing  in  his  chin,  and  opening  and  shutting  his 
mouth,  as  if  in  the  act  of  champing  a  bit.  At  length,  as  he 
drew  near  the  table  of  the  young  student,  who  had  not  hitherto 
bestowed  on  him  the  least  notice,  he  commenced  a  series  of 
caracoles,  and  then,  bobbing  his  head,  as  if  irritated  by  the 
pressure  of  a  tight  rein,  contrived  to  hit  the  book,  which  had 
been  propped  in  an  upright  position  on  the  table,  and  succeeded 
in  throwing  it  on  the  floor.  His  brother,  for  both  were  in 
truth  Mrs.  Leroy's  children,  received  this  bit  of  pleasantry 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  61 

with  a  glow  of  sullen  anger,  and  stretching  forth  his  foot  from 
beneath  the  table,  bestowed  a  sudden  kick  on  the  unruly  author 
of  the  mischief.  Mabel,  still  standing  near  the  door,  was  an 
attentive  witness  of  the  whole  proceeding.  Alick,  the  bestower 
of  the  reprimand,  perfectly  aware  that  he  was  observed,  cast 
upon  her  a  half-mortified,  half-defiant  look,  which  seemed  to 
say,  "  you  saw !  I  don't  care  if  you  did  ; "  and  then  stooping 
down,  he  picked  up  his  book  and  replaced  it  in  precisely  the 
same  position  which  it  had  occupied  before. 

He  appeared,  meanwhile,  quite  indifferent  to  the  cries  of  the 
younger  child,  who,  although  in  reality  but  little  hurt  by  his 
brother's  blow,  had  thrown  himself  upon  the  floor,  and  was 
screaming  and  sobbing  with  all  his  might. 

Shocked  at  Alick's  rudeness,  and  repelled  by  the  sullen  ex- 
pression of  his  face,  Mabel's  sympathies  were  now  wholly  with 
the  younger  boy,  who,  in  spite  of  his  wilful  and  riotous  behavior, 
seemed  the  more  amiable  of  the  two.  She  took  him,  therefore, 
upon  her  knee,  soothed  his  cries,  and,  with  the  view  of  reliev- 
ing the  astonishment  of  the  children's  attendant,  who  looked  at 
her  with  surprise,  made  haste  to  announce  her  relationship. 
As  she  said,  "  I  am  your  Aunt  Mabel,"  Alick  looked  up  quickly 
from  his  book,  gave  her  an  earnest  and  searching  glance,  and 
then  looked  down  as  before.  Murray,  however,  the  other, 
appeared  careless  and  unconcerned  on  this  point,  but  submitted 
to  her  caresses,  allowed  himself  to  be  comforted,  and  upon 
being  permitted  to  search  her  pockets  for  the  confectionary 
which  she  informed  him  was  to  be  found  there,  quite, forgot  his 
past  injuries,  and  became  sunshiny  and  good  humored. 

Mabel  could  not  win  from  him,  however,  any  recognition  of 
her  claims  upon  his  love.  He  received  her  attentions  and 
favors  as  a  part  of  the  homage  due  to  a  petted  child,  but  shook 
his  head  when  she  asked  him  if  he  did  not  remember  the  many 
kisses  Aunt  Mabel  had  sent  him  in  her  letters  to  mamma,  and 
the  pretty  toys  which  came  in  a  box  at  Christmas.  Convinced 
by  his  manner,  that  her  name  awakened  no  emotion  of  inter- 
est in  the  boy,  and  failing  to  perceive  the  expression  of  eager 
scrutiny  with  which  Alick  had  for  an  instant  regarded  her,  she 
6 


62  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

felt  a  momentary  pang  of  disappointment,  in  the  thought  that 
the  children  she  had  been  so  impatient  to  see,  looked  upon  her 
as  a  stranger.  But  her  loving  nature  would  not  permit  her  to 
be  easily  repulsed,  and  she  resolved  that  since  it  rested  wholly 
with  herself  to  awaken  the  affection  of  her  little  nephews,  no 
pains  should  be  wanting  on  her  part.  So  she  exerted  herself 
most  sedulously  for  the  entertainment  of  the  younger  boy,  at 
the  same  time  endeavoring  to  excite  the  attention  of  his  silent 
brother.  During  the  half  hour  that  Murray  sat  upon  her 
knee,  the  increasing  interest  with  which  he  gazed  into  the  face 
of  his  beautiful  young  relative,  and  the  eagerness  with  which 
he  listened  to  her  playful  and  lively  words,  were  sufficient  evi- 
dence of  the  success  which  seldom  failed  to  attend  her  efforts 
to  engage  the  ear  and  win  the  heart  of  childhood.  She  more 
than  once  turned  from  him  to  address  a  remark  to  Alick,  but 
he  either  gave  her  no  reply  or  answered  in  such  a  sulky  tone, 
that  she  was  at  length  deterred  from  any  attempt  to  become 
better  acquainted  with  him. 

In  the  meantime,  there  was  still  another  in  the  room  who, 
although  unnoticed  herself,  watched  Mabel  with  no  small 
degree  of  admiration  and  curiosity.  This  was  the  young  girl 
who  had  the  charge  of  the  children,  and  whose  weary-looking 
face  had  excited  Mabel's  compassion  as  she  came  up  the  stairs. 
Her's  was  indeed  a  hard  task,  —  a  task  which  under  the  most 
favorable  circumstances,  might  have  worn  upon  the  strength 
and  spirits  of  so  young  a  girl,  and  which  was  rendered  doubly 
difficult,  by  reason  of  her  having  in  Mrs.  Leroy's  employ  sev- 
eral different  parties  to  please,  any  one  of  which  it  was  impos- 
sible to  satisfy.  Moreover,  she  had  been  delicately  brought 
up,  and  her  present  employment  was  new  and  irksome  to  her. 

To  have  the  restless -Murray  quiet  and  amused  for  one  half 
hour,  to  be  spared  the  necessity  of  furnishing  diversion  for 
him,  and  to  be  permitted  to  sit  by  and  listen  to  the  pleasant 
words  and  lively  sallies  which  were  no  less  entertaining  to 
herself  than  to  her  little  charge,  was  a  pleasure  the  more 
keenly  appreciated  because  so  rarely  enjoyed;  and  Mabel 
little  knew  with  what  a  smile  of  satisfaction  she  was  watched 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  63 

by  another  pair  of  eyes,  beside  those  which  beamed  brightly 
upon  her  from  the  face  of  the  child.  At  length  a  sudden  gust 
of  wind,  and  heavy  rain  drops  pattering  against  the  window, 
gave  Mabel  the  first  intimation  that  the  storm  which  was 
threatening  when  she  left  home,  had  now  commenced  with 
great  severity.  Imprisoned  as  she  thus  was,  in  the  hotel,  and 
fearful  lest  her  aunt  would  be  anxious  at  her  continued 
absence,  she  was  revolving  in  her  mind  the  possibility  of  send- 
ing a  messenger  to  her  father's  house,  when  she  recognized  in 
the  neighboring  passage-way  the  voice  of  Mrs.  Leroy,  and 
the  loud  laugh  of  Mrs.  Vannecker.  At  once  conjecturing  that 
the  storm  had  hastened  their  return,  she  hurried  to  meet  her 
sister,  in  hopes  that  she  might  be  in  season  to  detain  the  car- 
riage. But  she  was  too  late ;  the  coachman  had  already  driven 
off.  Louise  gaily  reproached  her,  however,  for  desiring  to  run 
away  the  moment  she  had  reached  home.  "  To  whom,  pray, 
was  your  visit  intended  ?  "  asked  she. 

"  To  the  children,"  replied  Mabel.  "  I  have  seen  them  at 
last." 

"  And  how  do  you  like  them  ?  Is  n't  my  precious  Murray  a 
darling  little  pet  ?  and  as  for  Alick  —  I  hope  he  was  in  his 
usual  good  humor?" 

Her  tone  was  sincere  when  she  spoke  of  Murray,  but  she 
turned  to  Mrs.  Vannecker  with  a  short  laugh,  as  she  uttered 
the  latter  clause,  and  both  the  laugh  and  the  tone  of  her  voice 
betrayed  that  the  remark  was  made  in  irony. 

Mabel  understood  the  insinuation  and,  while  she  wondered 
that  her  sister  could  speak  lightly  on  so  grave  a  matter  as  the 
bad  temper  of  her  own  child,  she  said  to  herself,  —  "  I  have 
seen  him  then  in  his  usual  mood ; —  what  a  very  disagreeable 
boy  he  must  be !  " 

They  now  bade  Mrs.  Vaunecker  good-morning,  and  Louise 
led  the  way  to  her  own  apartments,  Mabel  following  her,  at 
the  same  time  requesting  that  some  one  might  be  sent  to  sum- 
mon the  carriage,  as,  on  her  aunt's  account,  she  felt  the  impor- 
tance of  returning  home  at  once. 

But  she  found  it  impossible  to  resist  the  pressing  and  grace- 


64  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

ful  manner  in  which  Louise  insisted  that  she  should  stay,  at 
least  until  after  lunch,  assuring  her  that  it  was  the  height  of 
folly  to  make  herself  such  a  slave  to  the  whims  and  fears  of 
the  old  lady,  who,  she  plainly  saw,  was  disposed  to  play  the 
tyrant ;  and  Mabel,  too  easily  yielding  to  her  sister's  persua- 
sions, consented  to  remain.  As  they  entered  the  drawing-room, 
Murray  came  bounding  to  meet  his  mother,  who  took  him  in 
her  arms,  lavished  upon  him  many  an  endearing  and  flattering 
epithet,  and  throwing  herself  upon  the  sofa,  in  an  affected 
and  languishing  attitude,  permitted  the  indulged  child  to  tram- 
ple at  will  upon  her  rich  dress,  and  play  with  the  artificial 
-  *es  that  adorned  her  bonnet. 

As  Mabel  looked  at  them,  she  thought  she  had  never  seen  a 
more  interesting  picture  of  maternal  loveliness,  and  child-like 
beauty ;  but  the  scene  thus  presented  was  as  short-lived  as 
the  effect  was  striking ;  for  Louise's  vanity,  both  on  her  own 
account,  and  that  of  her  child,  being  quite  satisfied  by  this  lit- 
tle display  of  tenderness,  she  could  not  long  restrain  the  impa- 
tience and  irritability  which  rendered  such  companionship 
irksome,  and  after  a  few  moments,  the  rash  and  wilful  hand 
of  the  boy  having  assailed  the  delicate  lace  of  her  collar,  she 
thrust  it  hastily  aside,  and  abruptly  lifted  him  from  the  sofa  to 
the  floor.  As  she  did  so,  he  succeeded  in  snatching  a  rich 
ermine  mantle  from  her  shoulders,  and  retreated  to  the  other 
end  of  the  room,  dragging  the  delicate  white  fur  behind  him 
on  the  carpet. 

Louise,  who  was  expatiating  to  Mabel  upon  the  attractions  of 
a  dramatic  performance  to  take  place  that  evening  at  the  house 
of  one  of  the  leaders  of  fashion,  seemed  at  first  quite  uncon- 
scious of  this  feat  on  the  part  of  the  child ;  but  in  a  moment 
more  she  rose  suddenly  from  her  seat,  and  still  continuing  in 
an  earnest  strain  of  conversation  with  Mabel,  took  a  few  steps 
towards  Murray,  who  was  roughly  playing  with  his  prize,  and 
snatching  one  end  of  the  mantle,  which  lay  stretched  upon  the 
carpet,  endeavored  to  wrest  it  from  his  grasp.  Her  manner 
was  resolute,  but  the  boy  was  nothing  daunted.  He  clung  to 
his  new  toy,  and  by  a  sudden  effort,  extricating  it  from  his 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  65 

mother's  hands,  gathered  it  in  his  arms,  and  escaped  to  the 
opposite  corner,  casting  over  his  shoulder  a  triumphant  glance 
at  his  baffled  parent.  So  far  from  following  up  the  pursuit, 
however,  or  uttering  a  word  of  reprimand,  she  appeared  rather 
to  glory  in  the  rebellious  spirit  of  the  child ;  her  only  comment 
upon  the  failure  of  her  attempt  consisting  in  a  smile  of  amuse- 
ment at  the  success  with  which  he  had  asserted  his  independ- 
ence of  control.  Nor  did  the  risk  of  injury  to  the  mantle  fur- 
ther engage  Tier  thoughts,  but,  passively  yielding  to  the  little 
conqueror,  she  resumed  her  seat,  and  continued  the  scarcely 
interrupted  strain  of  her  discourse  upon  the  music,  dresses,  and 
decorations  of  the  evening's  entertainment. 

Mabel,  while  engaging  with  animation  upon  the  subject  of 
pleasures  which  had  for  her  all  the  zest  of  novelty,  scarcely 
gave  a  thought  to  this  little  contest  between  parent  and  child, 
save  as  she  considered  it  a  proof  of  that  sweet  softness,  and 
amiability  of  character,  which  forbade  Louise  to  exercise  se- 
verity, or  exact  obedience.  As  she  sat,  however,  in  full  view 
of  the  child,  who  was  now  mounted  upon  a  chair,  acting  in  his 
favorite  capacity  of  an  imaginary  horseman,  with  the  long  ends 
of  the  mantle  serving  as  a  bridle,  she  more  than  once  had  her 
fears  excited  for  the  safety  both  of  the  boy,  and  the  ermine. 
A  slight  start  on  her  part  caused  Louise,  at  one  time,  to  turn 
her  head  in  that  direction,  but,  dreading  a  stormy  altercation 
with  the  little  rebel,  she  closed  her  eyes  to  the  possibility  of 
the  mischief  that  might  ensue,  and,  with  a  languid  smile,  per- 
mitted him  to  continue  his  sport.  At  length,  a  sudden  jerk  on 
Murray's  part,  and  the  mantle,  which  towards  the  end  was 
narrow  and  slender,  became  rent,  and  gave  way,  precipitating 
the  child  to  the  floor,  the  fragment  of  the  torn  fur  still  grasped 
tightly  in  his  hand. 

Mabel  sprung  to  his  assistance,  for,  although  his  fall  was  not 
heavy,  or  from  a  grea^t  height,  he  uttered  a  succession  of  pierc- 
ing shrieks,  and  she  feared  he  might  be  seriously  hurt.  Louise 
•  started  at  the  same  moment,  but  Mabel  had  lifted  the  boy  to 
his  feet  before  his  mother  reached  the  spot.  The  eager  ques- 
tion of  the  former,  "  are  3-011  hurt,  darling  ?  "  was  scarcely  an- 


66  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

swered,  and  lie  still  continued  sobbing,  when  Louise  caught 
sight  of  the  torn  fur,  which  she  angrily  snatched  from  his 
hand.  Alas  !  now,  for  that  softness  of  manner  of  which  many 
beside  Mabel  had  often  experienced  the  charm  !  It  vanished 
in  an  instant.  The  subdued  voice  of  Louise  was  changed  to 
loud  tones  of  reproach ;  words  of  sudden  anger  took  the  place 
of  her  usual  languid  accents,  and  the  little  hand,  so  perfect  in 
contour,  so  graceful  in  gesture,  now  gave  added  force  to  her 
words,  as  she  inflicted  with  it  a  sudden  blow  upon  Murray's 
offending  palm.  But  the  'refractory  urchin  was  no  unresisting 
victim  of  her  displeasure  ;  he  boldly  maintained  his  defence, 
and  Mabel  became  the  witness  of  a  violent  and  noisy  struggle, 
which  ended  in  Mrs.  Leroy's  forcibly  expelling  the  child  from 
the  room,  amid  a  succession  of  kicks,  screams,  and  threats,  which 
would,  probably,  have  alarmed  the  household,  had  not  such 
outbursts  been  a  matter  of  almost  daily  occurrence.  Grieved 
and  shocked  at  the  scene,  Mabel  expected  to  see  her  sister 
still  more  painfully  affected  by  so  unnatural  a  conflict.  But, 
on  the  contrary,  Louise  turned  to  her  with  a  smile,  and  on  ob- 
serving her  half-embarrassed,  half-distressed  expression,  laughed 
outright. 

"  I  am  afraid  he  is  hurt,"  suggested  Mabel,  "  he  cried  so 
loud  when  he  first  fell." 

"  Oh,  no,"  answered  Louise,  in  a  careless  tone,  u  he  always 
cries  so;"  and  she  proceeded  to  the  examination  of  her  mantle, 
fitting  the  piece  in  her  hand  into  the  place  from  which  it  was 
torn,  and  saying  "what  a  shame!  I  wonder  if  I  can  grt  it 
mended  at  Lefarge's  ?  " 

So  intent  was  she  in  considering  the  best  mode  of  repairing 
the  damage,  that  for  several  minutes  she  took  no  notice  of  Ma- 
bel, who  gradually  recovered  from  her  surprise  at  the  contra- 
dictions in  her  sister's  temper,  especially  as  she  found  that  this 
little  outbreak  of  maternal  indignation  exercised  no  lasting 
check  upon  the  merriment  of  the  child,  wliom  she  soon  heard 
in  the  neighboring  nursery,  engaged  in  happy  play. 

Two  or  three  hours  had  elapsed,  the  season  of  lunch  was 
long  passed,  and  Mabel's  conscience  beginning  once  more  to  re- 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  67 

proach  her  for  this  continued  stay,  she  had  persuaded  Louise  to 
send  ibr  a  carriage.  It  had  not  yet  arrived,  and  she  was  some- 
what impatiently  awaiting  it,  when  a  loud  cry  was  raised  in 
the  nursery,  and  a  moment  after,  Murray  came  screaming  into 
the  room,  evidently  in  some  new  distress,  and,  quite  forgetful 
of  past  difficulties,  running  to  his  mother  for  sympathy.  She 
opened  her  arms  to  receive  him,  begged  to  know  what  was  the 
matter  with  her  sweet  pet,  and  with  many  tender  and  exagger- 
ated expressions  of  solicitude,  promised  that  whoever  had 
harmed  him  should  be  punished. 

Alick  had  harmed  him,  had  pushed  and  kicked  him,  and 
both  he  and  Lydia  had  called  him  ugly  names. 

"  I  called  him  no  ugly  names,"  exclaimed  the  tired-looking 
young  nurse,  appearing  at  the  door,  her  face,  at  first  pale,  be- 
coming quite  red  as  she  observed  the  presence  of  Mabel. 

"  Be  quiet ! "  said  Mrs.  Leroy,  in  an  imperative  voice  to  the 
girl;  and  going  to  the  open  door  of  the  nursery,  she  demanded 
of  Alick,  in  a  severe  tone,  what  new  injury  he  had  been  do- 
ing his  brother,  adding,  in  the  same  breath,  "  I  know  you  are 
always  rude  to  him." 

"  He  's  rude  to  me,"  was  the  boy's  surly  reply. 

His  mother,  unsparing  of  words  and  threats,  continued  to 
reprove  him,  but  he  made  no  further  apology,  receiving  her 
rebukes  with  indifference,  not  to  say  inattention,  and  deigning 
no  answers  to  her  inquiries  into  his  behavior.  He  found  an 
advocate,  however,  in  Lydia,  who  commenced  at  once,  "Alick 
was  not  to  blame,  Mrs.  Leroy, — :" 

"You  need  not  tell  me  that,  Lydia,"  replied  her  mistress, 
"I  know  who  is  always  to  blame  in  these  quarrels." 

"  He  called  me  names,"  muttered  Murray,  "  he  did.  He  said 
I  was  a  beggar !  " 

"  I  did  n't !  "  retorted  Alick,  speaking  bluntly,  and  between 
his  teeth. 

"  No,  ma'am,"  exclaimed  Lydia,  earnestly.  "  I  was  telling 
them  what  a  good  little  sister  I  had  at  home ;  Alick  said  he 
should  like  to  see  her,  ma'am,  and  I  promised  to  take  him 
there,  if  you  had  no  objections.  It  was  Murray  himself  who 


68  MABEL-   VAUGIIAN. 

spoke  of  beggars.  I  'm  sure  Rosy  is  no  beggar,  and  if  my 
mother  is  n't  rich,  she  is  very  respectable." 

"  I  said  I  did  n't  want  to  go  and  see  any  beggar  girls,  and  nc 
I  do  n't ! "  said  Murray,  "  and  then  Alick  said  I  was  n't  any 
better  than  a  beggar  myself.  I  am,  aint  I,  mother  ? }' 

"  Certainly,  my  dear.  Alick  you  are  a  bad  boy  to  talk  sc 
to  your  brother,  —  and,  Lydia,  don't  let  me  hear  any  more  of 
this.  Of  course,  you  are  not  to  take  either  of  the  boys  to  any 
low  places.  The  children  you  are  used  to  may  be  good  chil- 
dren, and  they  may  not,  but,  at  all  events,  they  are  not  fit 
company  for  my  children." 

"  Indeed,  Mrs.  Leroy,"  exclaimed  Lydia,  her  face  becoming 
suffused  with  the  deepest  crimson,  her  eye  flashing  angrily,  but 
the  trembling  of  her  lip,  at  the  same  time,  giving  evidence  of 
an  emotion  deeper  than  wounded  pride,  —  "  indeed,  ma'am,  I 
only  wish  you  could  see  such  children  as  I  am  used  to ;  there's 
some  among  'em  that  might  teach  a  lesson  even  to  a  lady." 

If  there  was  incivility  in  this  remark  from  a  young  girl  to 
her  mistress,  it  was  almost  lost  sight  of  by  Mabel,  who  was 
struck  by  the  deep  earnestness  and  feeling  with  which  it  was 
spoken.  Not  so  with  Louise.  She  viewed  the  girl's  words 
merely  as  an  outbreak  of  impertinence,  and  passed  judgment 
upon  them  accordingly.  It  would  have  been  well  for  her  dig- 
nity, if  she  could  have  so  far  commanded  her  temper  as  to 
°peak  Lydia's  dismissal  with  calmness.  But  this  was  not  the 
case.  In  the  violent  and  abusive  language  with  which  she  as- 
sailed her  for  forgetfulness  of  place,  and  neglect  of  the  respect 
due  to  her  superiors,  she  more  than  forfeited  her  own  position 
as  a  lady,  nor  could  Mabel  feel  otherwise  than  shocked  at  the 
harshness  with  which  she  assured  the  po  r  girl  that  she  had 
forfeited  1  m  month's  wages,  at  the  same  time  forbidding  her 
to  leave  her  service  until  a  new  nurse  was  provided. 

It  was  some  consolation  to  perceive  that  these  fits  of  temper 
were  as  transient  as  they  were  severe.  As  Louise  closed 
the  nursery  door  upon  Lydia,  she  seemed  to  exhaust  her  dis- 
pleasure in  the  words,  "  there,  I  have  done  with  her;  —  now 
1  shall  have  the  trouble  of  finding  another  nurse  for  those 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  C9 

children,  —  little  plagues  ; "  •  and  the  next  moment  she  ad- 
dressed some  light  remark  to  Mabel  on  the  subject  of  her 
dress  for  the  approaching  evening,  —  adding,  "  I  will  go  this 
minute  and  borrow  Mrs.  Vannecker's  ear-rings,  to  try  if  coral 
is  becoming  to  me ! " 


CHAPTER    VII. 

Not  every  flower  that  blossoms 

Diffuses  sweets  around ; 
Not  every  scene  hope  gilds  with  light 

Will  fair  be  found. 

MRS.  S.  J.  HALE. 

ENGROSSED  with  this  new  scheme  for  the  indulgence  of 
her  vanity,  Louis-?  hastened  at  once  to  her  friend's  apartment, 
and  lingered  there  so  long,  that  before  her  return  the  carriage 
came  for  Mabel,  who  could  not  find  her  scarf,  and  supposing 
that  she  must  have  left  it  in  the  nursery  was  compelled  to  go 
there  and  seek  it.  As  she  opened  the  door  unheard,  and  stood 
unperceived  in  the  room,  a  sight  met  her  eyes  which  excited 
both  her  sympathy  and  her  interest.  Poor  Lydia,  overcome 
with  grief,  had  thrown  herself  upon  the  narrow  bed  usually 
occupied  by  one  of  the  children,  and  so  vehement  were  the 
sobs  she  uttered,  that  they  shook  her  whole  frame  convulsively. 
Her  eyes  were  fixed  and  vacant,  and  there  was  an  hysterical 
gasping  in  her  throat,  which  frightened  Mabel,  lest  the  girl 
might  be  choking  with  an  emotion  which  she  evidently  could 
not  control.  Alick  was  standing  beside  her,  —  his  face  no 
longer  apathetic  and  indifferent,  but  expressive  both  of  sorrow 
and  indignation.  He  seemed  to  be  making  an  endeavor  to 
soothe  her,  and  as  Mabel  entered  the  room  she  heard  him 
say,  "  I  should  n't  care  for  her,  Lydia,  —  she 's  a  cross  old 
thing."  At  first  Murray  was  no  where  to  be  seen  ;  but  on 
taking  a  nearer  view,  Mabel  perceived  the  little  fellow,  who, 
really  affectionate  in  his  disposition  and  truly  grieved  at  his 
own  share  in  causing  Lydia's  distress,  had  crept  upon  the  bed, 
and  was  nestled  close  beside  her,  with  one  arm  round  her  neck. 
At  the  sound  of  Mabel's  voice  speaking  kindly  to  her,  Lydia 
gave  a  sudden  start,  and  the  presence  of  a  stranger  seeming 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  71 

to  act  as  a  powerful  motive  for  self-control,  she  succeeded  in 
somewhat  mastering  her  agitation.  Mabel  took  a  glass  of 
water  from  the  table  and  sprinkled  a  little  of  it  on  her  face,  as 
she  had  seen  Mrs.  Herbert  do  on  a  similar  occasion.  The 
shock  acted  as  a  restorative,  and  after  a  few  more  gasps  tha 
excited  girl  found  relief  in  natural  and  fast  flowing  tears. 

Mabel,  although  a  stranger  to  such  emergencies,  spoke  A 
few  words  of  comfort  to  her,  which  drew  forth  in  return  an 
expression  of  poor  Lydia's  overcharged  feelings.  "Indeed, 
miss,"  she  sobbed  forth,  "  I  meant  no  harm,  but  I  felt  so  bad 
at  what  she  said  about  the  children,  you  would  n't  wonder  if 
you  knew  — "  here  her  words  were  lost  in  tears,  but  she  soon 
recovered  herself  and  added,  —  "  So  now  I  've  lost  my  place, 
and  I  don't  know  what  I  shall  do." 

"I'll  ask  mother  to  keep  you,"  said  Murray,  in  a  soothing 
tone. 

Lydia  smiled  upon  the  wayward  child,  but  said  nothing. 
Alick,  in  the  meantime,  stood  a  little  in  the  background, 
gazing  in  the  face  of  Mabel,  who  looked  concerned  for  the 
girl,  but  uncertain  what  part  to  take  in  the  matter  herself. 
As,  after  a  few  moment's  pause,  she  turned  to  leave  the  room, 
she  was  arrested  by  Alick,  who  exclaimed,  as  if  in  further 
explanation  of  Lydia's  conduct,  "  She  can 't  get  her  money 
now,  and  its  too  bad  ;  she  wanted  it  for  her  mother  and  Rosy. 
Mother  said  she  would  n't  pay  her,  and  she  won't,  she 's  just 
so  ugly." 

Mabel's  countenance  evinced  how  much  she  was  shocked 
by  the  boy's  unfilial  language,  but  he  did  not  perceive  this ; 
his  eyes  were  following  the  hand  with  which  she  now  sought 
her  purse.  Poor  Lydia,  in  the  meantime,  was  the  picture  of 
mortification  and  distress.  Words  of  bitter  disappointment  on 
her  part  had  betrayed  to  the  observing  Alick  the  secret  of 
her  family's  necessity,  but  despite  her  dependent  situation, 
she  had  a  sensitive  pride  which  shrank  from  Mabel's  becoming 
a  partner  to  this  knowledge. 

Mabel,  scarcely  less  disconcerted,  for  she  was  a  novice  in 


72  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

such  circumstances,  inquired  the  amount  due  her  for  the  ser- 
vices which  were  now  at  an  end. 

"  Six  dollars,"  said  Lydia,  in  a  faltering  voice,  "  but,  O  miss, 
it 's  no  matter." 

The  sum  was  in  her  hand  before  she  had  finished  speaking. 
"  Never  mind,"  said  Mabel,  soothingly,  and  putting  aside  the 
hand  which  offered  to  return  the  money,  "  keep  it, — do, —  and 
I  will  arrange  the  matter  with  Mrs.  Leroy  some  other  time." 

Then,  anxious  to  escape  the  half-audible  thanks  of  Lydia, 
she  hastily  left  the  room,  followed  by  the  wondering,  admiring 
gaze  of  Alick.  Murray  manifesting  his  satisfaction  in  an 
equally  characteristic  manner,  by  attempting  to  turn  a  somer- 
set on  the  bed. 

A  quick  blush  of  surprise  and  embarrassment  overspread 
her  face,  as,  on  re-entering  the  drawing-room,  she  discovered 
Louise  standing  near  the  half-open  door  of  the  nursery,  where 
she  must  have  plainly  overheard  all  that  had  passed  within. 
She  was  trying  the  effect  of  the  coral  ear-rings  at  an  opposite 
mirror,  and  did  not  even  turn  her  head,  on  Mabel's  sudden 
entrance.  Had  the  latter  been  detected  in  a  mean,  instead  of 
a  generous  action,  she  could  scarcely  have  been  more  discon- 
certed than  she  now  felt,  at  the  consciousness  of  having  played 
what  her  sister  might  consider  an  officious  and  censorious  part 
in  a  matter  with  which  she  had  no  immediate  concern.  There 
was  an  awkward  silence  between  them,  interrupted  at  length 
by  Louise,  who,  after  impatiently  jerking  one  of  the  ear-rings, 
and  finally  entangling  it  in  her  hair,  exclaimed  in  an  imperious 
and  ruffled  tone  of  voice,  "  Do,  Mabel,  see  what  is  the  matter 
with  this,  —  I  can 't  do  anything  with  it ! " 

Mabel  hastened  to  extricate  and  clasp  the  refractory  orna- 
ment, and  then  stood  by  the  side  of  the  irritable  little  beauty, 
who,  after  surveying  herself  for  a  moment  with  no  slight 
degree  of  satisfaction,  exclaimed,  "  How  pretty  they  are !  I 
wish  they  were  mine !  If  I  had  money  to  throw  away,"  con- 
tinued she  in  a  meaning  tone,  "  as  some  folks  have,  I  would 
buy  me  a  pair  this  very  day  ! " 

"  Yes,  they  are  quite  pretty  and  becoming,"  said  Mabel,  with 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  73 

an  absent  air.  She  understood  her  sister's  allusion,  and  fear- 
ing she  had  given  deep  offence,  was  meditating  an  excuse  for 
her  own  presumption  on  the  score  of  poor  Lydia's  necessities. 

"I  hope,"  added  Louise,  tartly,  and  with  a  short,  con- 
temptuous laugh,  "  that  you  do  not  mean  to  charge  me  with 
all  that  wastefulness  you  have  been  guilty  of  in  the  next 
room  ;  your  purse  must  be  longer  than  mine  if  you  can  afford 
to  pay  people  for  putting  on  airs  and  getting  up  scenes." 

Mabel,  astonished  at  her  sister's  meanness  and  indifference 
to  Distress,  was  at  a  loss  for  a  reply  to  this  unexpected  out- 
burst; but  Louise,  having  thus  given  vent  to  her  vexation, 
and  at  the  same  time  disowned  a  debt  which  she  never  in- 
tended to  discharge,  seemed  to  be  immediately  restored  to 
good  humor,  and  dismissing  the  subject  with  the  same  ease 
with  which  a  child  forgets  its  little  annoyance  at  the  sight  of 
a  new  toy,  she  entered  with  flippant  and  eager  gaiety  upon 
the  subject  of  the  evening's  entertainment. 

Mabel  could  not  so  easily  free  herself  from  the  agitation 
and  embarrassment  to  which  her  sister's  words  and  her  own 
awkward  situation  had  given  rise ;  but,  "relieved  to  find  the 
affair  amicably  settled,  although  at  the  expense  both  of  her 
purse  and  her  feelings,  she  lent  a  ready  ear  to  all  the  theatri- 
cal details  which  Mrs.  Leroy  had  gleaned  from  Mrs.  Van- 
necker,  and  from  Victoria,  who  was  to  take  part  in  the  per- 
formance. It  would  be  a  charming  occasion,  but  it  was  on 
Mabel's  account,  chiefly,  that  Mrs.  Leroy  professed  to  con- 
gratulate herself  at  the  opportunity ;  it  would  be  something 
so  new  to  her,  and  so  interesting.  Harry,  too,  would  be  de- 
lighted to  escort  them. 

Mabel  hesitated.  She  was  strongly  tempted  by  her  sister's 
glowing  description  of  the  exciting  scene  they  should  witness, 
the  lovely  little  theatre,  its  decorations,  etc.;  but  at  the  mention 
of  Harry's  name,  she  remembered  the  understanding  between 
herself  and  her  brother,  that  they  were  to  have  a  quiet  even- 
ing at  home.  She  mentioned  this  circumstance  to  Louise  as  a 
motive  for  relinquishing  the  project,  and  once  more  the  good- 
humored  smile  vanished  from  the  face  of  the  latter,  who, 
7 


74:  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

resuming,  as  it  were,  her  previous  right  to  be  angry  with 
Mabel,  turned  coldly  away,  saying  in  an  offended  tone,  "  Very 
well,  —  I  shall  stay  at  home  then,  of  course  ;  I  have  no  wish 
to  go  alone." 

Mabel's  countenance  betrayed  signs  of  indecision  at  sight 
of  Louise's  disappointment  and  displeasure.  She  had  already 
given  offence  once  this  morning ;  she  could  not  bear  to  be 
thought  censorious  or  disobliging  ;  but  what  would  Harry  think 
of  the  proposal  ? 

Reflections  of  this  and  a  similar  nature  were  interrupted  by 
a  fretful  expostulation  from  Louise,  who,  comprehending  her 
chief  cause  of  hesitation,  exclaimed,  "  It  is  nonsense  to  think  of 
staying  at  home  on  Harry's  account,  for  I  will  venture  to  say, 
he  is  full  of  the  idea  himself  before  this  time.  Several  of  his 
friends  are  among  the  dramatis  persona ;  he  will  hear  of  the 
performance  in  the  course  of  the  day,  and  be  quite  enthusiastic 
on  the  subject. 

This  last  suggestion  had  the  effect  of  overruling  Mabel's 
scruples,  and  just  as  she  was  on  the  point  of  departure  she 
yielded  a  reluctant  promise  to  send  the  carriage  to  the  hotel, 
and  be  herself  in  readiness  at  an  appointed  hour,  for  which 
obliging  concession  she  was  rewarded  by  a  radiant  smile,  and 
affectionate  pressure  of  the  hand,  from  the  conciliated  and  satis- 
fied Louise. 

But  though  Louise  was  satisfied,  the  case  was  far  otherwise 
with  Mabel;  and  the  shadow  which,  during  the  homeward 
drive,  clouded  her  usually  happy  features,  had  its  rise  in  many 
contending,  contradictory,  but  alike  painful  emotions. 

A  young  girl  of  eighteen,  of  a  happy  temperament,  impulsive 
character,  and  warm  affections,  is  not  likely  to  prove  a  strict  or 
severe  judge  of  those  faults  and  foibles  which  are  concealed  or 
atoned  for  by  a  pleasing  and  fascinating  exterior ;  but  Mabel, 
with  all  the  romance,  sensibility,  and  ardent  imagination  of 
girlhood,  had  a  deep  and  steady  love  of  justice,  an  unsophisti- 
cated sense  of  right,  and  an  honest  contempt  for  meanness  and 
duplicity.  She  could  not  be  blind  or  indifferent  to  those  unex- 
pected traits  in  her  sister's  character,  which  the  events  of  the 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  75 

morning  had  brought  to  light,  and  in  proportion  as  fancy  had 
hitherto  Invested  Louise  with  mental  and  moral  loveliness,  did 
she  shrink  from  the  reality  disclosed  on  a  nearer  view.  The 
emotions  awakened  in  Mabel's  mind,  however,  were  somewhat 
indistinct  and  undefined,  and  she  did  not  even  attempt  to  ana- 
lyze them.  She  felt,  but  did  not  reason,  and  the  rambling 
nature  of  her  reflections  resulted  only  in  a  general  sense  of  dis- 
satisfaction and  disappointment. 

The  succession  of  vague  doubts,  regrets,  and  apprehensions, 
which  chased  each  other  through  her  mind,  was  suddenly  put 
to  -flight  as  the  carriage  stopped  at  her  father's  door,  and  a 
more  immediate  and  pressing  cause  of  anxiety  forced  itself 
upon  her  recollection.  "  What  will  Aunt  Sabiah  say  to  my 
long  absence?"  was  her  mental  inquiry  as  she  entered  the 
house.  The  hall  clock  struck  four  as  she  gassed  up  the  stair- 
case. "  So  late,"  was  her  inward  exclamation ;  "  is  it  possi- 
ble ?"  And  then  came  the  still  more  startling  remembrance, 
that  she  had  returned  without  the  promised  bit  of  ribbon. 
Truly,  thought  she,  this  is  one  of  the  days  when  everything 
goes  wrong. 

Everything  had  certainly  gone  wrong  thus  far.  Miss  Sabiah 
had  passed  a  lonely,  cheerless  day,  and  was  proportionately  de- 
pressed. With  martyr-like  spirit  she  had  declined  taking  lun- 
cheon, a  meal  of  no  slight  importance  to  one  of  her  country 
habits,  and  it  was  with  difficulty  that  she  could  be  persuaded 
that  it  was  not  yet  too  late  for  a  biscuit  and  a  cup  of  chocolate, 
\vhich  Mabel  brought  with  her  own  hands  from  the  dining 
room ;  she  declared  that  Mabel's  forgetfulriess  to  purchase  the 
riobon  was  of  no  consequence, —  O,  no, — not  the  least:  what 
consequence  could  it  be  whether  she  wore  a  new  cap  or  an  old 
one  ? 

From  this  hopeless  state  of  despondency  it  would  have  been 
in  vain  for  any  one  but  Mabel  to  attempt  to  arouse  her ;  but  in 
the  partial  eyes  of  the  aunt  the  favorite  niece  was  never  the 
chief  delinquent;  and  after  inveighing  at  intervals  against 
Louise's  growing  influence  over  her  sister,  and  declaring  her- 
self quite  resigned  to  the  loss  of  Mabel's  future  society,  Miss 


76  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

Sabiali  allowed  herself  to  be  cheered  and  comforted  by  listen- 
ing to  the  contents  of  a  bundle  of  old  letters,  which  Mabel  read 
aloud  until  dark,  manifesting  a  degree  of  girlish  interest  in  the 
musty  heap  of  ancestral  details  which  truly  warmed  the  heart 
of  her  maiden  aunt. 

:  Both  then  and  afterwards,  Mabel  carefully  avoided  all  refer- 
ence to  her  visit  at  the  hotel,  unwilling  to  excite  her  aunt's 
prejudices  by  relating  the  stormy  occurrences  of  the  morning, 
and  Miss  Sabiah,  on  her  part,  scorned  to  make  any  inquiries 
concerning  Louise  and  her  mode  of  life,  subjects  on  which  she 
professed  perfect  indifference. 

But  the  perplexities  and  annoyances  of  this  unfortunate  day 
were  not  yet  at  an  end.  At  dinner,  Mabel  waited  in  vain  in 
the  hope  that  Harry,  who  had  returned  home  from  his  excur- 
sion-party fatigue^  but  in  high  spirits,  would  broach  the  subject 
of  the  theatricals  ;  he  remained  provokingly  silent  on  the  sub- 
ject, however,  and  when,  after  dinner,  he  called  for  his  slippers 
and  proposed  going  for  his  flute  to  accompany  her  on  the  piano, 
she  was  reluctantly  compelled  to  confess  the  promise  she  had 
made  to  Louise,  explaining  at  the  same  time  her  own  reluct- 
ance to  accede  to  the  proposal,  until  over-persuaded  by  her 
sister's  confident  assurance  that  he  would  be  delighted  to  ac- 
company them. 

She  hardly  knew  whether  to  be  hurt  or  amused  at  the  rail- 
lery which  her  communication  called  forth.  "And  so  you 
really  believed  that  humbuggery ! "  exclaimed  Harry.  "  Here 
have  I  been,  these  last  two  days,  employing  all  the  arts  of  a 
blackleg  to  keep  clear  of  those  jackanapes,  who  were  trying  to 
entice  me  into  that  nonsensical  farce.  Why,  I  have  hardly 
dared  show  myself  in  any  of  their  haunts,  and  have  been  half 
afraid  of  my  own  shadow  lest  it  should  take  the  form  of  a  stage 
manager ;  and  you,  innocent  lamb  that  you  are,  would  lead  me 
into  the  very  thick  of  the  fight.  Why,  they  would  condemn  me, 
without  mercy,  to  the  part  of  Julius  Caesar,  or  worse  still,  that 
of  Vic  Vannecker's  lover ;  upon  my  word,  my  dear,  they  are 
a  perfect  set  of  harpies." 

Miss  Sabiah  now  began  to  expostulate  against  Mabel's  life 


MABEL    VAUGUAN.  77 

being  sacrificed  to  late  hours  and  bad  weather,  and  Mr.  Vaughan 
taking  alarm  at  these  intimations,  looked  up  from  his  news- 
paper to  remark,  that  it  was  a  very  wet  evening,  and  that  he 
hoped  she  did  not  think  of  going  out. 

The  discussion,  however,  was  interrupted  by  the  arrival  of 
Mrs.  Leroy,  whose  wilful  obstinacy  was  proof  against  all  oppo- 
sition. Mabel  would  now  gladly  have  retracted  her  promise, 
but ,  Louise  exacted  its  fulfilment,  and  the  most  that  could  be 
peaceably  effected  was  a  compromise,  by  which  it  was  agreed 
that  they  should  return  home  early.  At  Mabel's  earnest  en- 
treaty, seconded  by  that  of  her  father,  Harry  was  persuaded  to 
accompany  them,  with  the  express  understanding  that  he  was 
at  liberty  to  make  his  escape,  if  there  was  any  attempt  made  to 
enlist  him  for  future  service  among  the  theatrical  corps.  At 
the  carriage  door,  however,  they  were  greeted  by  the  voices  of 
Mrs.  Vannecker  and  her  daughter,  who  were  comfortably  en- 
sconced on  the  back  seat. 

A  low  exclamation  of  impatience  escaped  from  Harry. 
"  I  'in  off,"  whispered  he  to  Mabel ;  then  added  aloud,  "  there 
are  enough  of  you  to  take  care  of  each  other,  I  see — good 
night." 

If  Mabel  felt  vexed  at  this  inauspicious  commencement  of 
the  evening,  this  feeling  was  scarcely  allayed  by  the  events 
that  succeeded.  The  much  vaunted  performance  proved  to  be 
merely  a  rehearsal ;  the  parts  were  ill-learned,  the  stage  ill- 
lighted,  the  actors  out  of  humor.  Louise  betook  herself  be- 
hind the  scenes  and  mingled  in  the  petty  contentions  of  the 
rival  aspirants ;  while  Mrs.  Vannecker  wearied  Mabel's  ears 
with  an  excited  recital  of  Victoria's  wrongs,  and  her  successful 
retaliation  upon  the  offenders.  Long  before  Miss  Vannecker 
and  Louise  could  be  persuaded  to  depart,  which  was  not  until 
near  midnight,  Mabel  had,  despite  her  good-nature,  arrived  at 
the  uneasy  conclusion  that  her  sister  and  friends  were  making 
her  the  tool  of  their  own  love  of  pleasure,  and  ceasing  to  feel 
any  interest  in  the  histrionic  disputes  and  failures,  her 
thoughts  became  occupied  with  compassion  for  her  aunt  and 
Harry,  who  were  awaiting  her  at  home,  and  sympathy  for  her 


78  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

weary  coachman  and  restless  horses,  exposed  to  a  wintry  rain, 
and,  like  herself,  the  victims  of  imposition. 

But  the  vexations  of  the  evening  did  not  end  here.  A  more 
provoking  disappointment  was  yet  to  come. 

It  was  half-revealed  in  the  triumphant  expression  of  counte- 
nance which  met  her  on  her  return  home,  and  Mabel  felt  a 
deeper  sense  of  regret  than  she  would  have  been  willing  to  ac- 
knowledge, when  she  learned  that  during  nearly  the  whole  of 
her  absence,  Harry  and  Miss  Sabiah  had  been  in  the  enjoyment 
of  Lincoln  Dudley's  society,  listening  to  his  rich  strains  of  anec- 
dote, poetry,  and  learning,  borne,  as  her  imagination  suggested, 
into  those  regions  of  thought  and  fancy  to  which  such  a  mind 
as  his  could  not  fail  to  lead  the  way.  She  even  fancied  there 
was  something  malicious  in  the  relish  with  which  Harry  quoted 
some  of  his  friend's  best  sayings, — something  positively  taunting 
in  the  assurance  of  her  usually  unimpressible  aunt,  that  she 
would  not  probably  have  any  opportunity  during  the  winter  to 
make  the  acquaintance  of  this  uncommonly  agreeable  man,  for 
that  he  had  missed  the  cars  by  accident  that  afternoon,  had 
devoted  his  only  evening  to  them,  and  would  leave  for  Phila- 
delphia in  the  Sunday  morning  train. 

So  ended  a  day  of  vexations ;  and  Mabel's  weekly  calendar 
of  pleasure,  excitement,  and  gratified  pride,  closed  with  a  con- 
fused but  certain  sense  of  weariness,  regret,  and  disappoint- 
ment. 

How  impossible  it  is  to  please  everybody,  thought  she,  as 
in  the  retirement  of  her  own  room,  she  mentally  reviewed  the 
events  of  the  day,  dwelling  with  peculiar  bitterness  upon  that 
climax  of  misfortunes,  —  the  loss  of  Dudley's  visit. 

And  having  thus  come  to  the  conclusion  that  it  was  impossi- 
ble to  please  everybody,  she  composed  herself  to  sleep  with 
the  half-formed  resolve,  that  henceforth  she  would  attempt 
only  to  please  herself. 

Happily,  neither  this  dangerous  resolve,  nor  the  painful 
emotions  which  had  given  it  birth,  were  destined  to  survive  a 
night's  repose,  and  the  Sabbath  sun  shone  on  no  more  radiant 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  79 

face  tjian  Mabel's,  and  enkindled  in  no  youthful  breast  more 
generous  impulses. 

A  deeper  cloud  may  one  day  settle  on  her  pathway,  and  in- 
volve her  bright  spirit  in  a  deeper  conflict.  Well  for  her  then, 
if  the  powers  of  darkness  flee  away  at  the  dawn  of  light,  while 
faith  whispers  to  her  burdened  heart  that  earth  has  no  night 
of  trouble  and  despair  from  which  the  Sun  of  Righteousness 
may  not  at  length  arise  with  healing  in  his  wings. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

How  wondrous  are  God's  secret  ways  ! 

The  chastening  furnace  of  affliction 
Taught  this  young  maiden's  heart  to  praise 

Her  Lord  in  streams  of  benediction ! 
Sorrow,  and  poverty,  and  pain, 

Might  hide  from  sight  the  blessing  streaming 
From  Heaven  on  her  fair  head ;  but  plain 

Unto  the  eye  of  faith  'twas  gleaming. 

E.  L.  NIGHT  WATCHES. 

LEAVING  Mabel  to  the  soothing  influence  of  youthful  slum- 
ber, let  us  follow  one  of  equal  years,  but  of  far  different  fortunes, 
who,  at  a  somewhat  earlier  hour  in  the  evening,  might  be  seen, 
alone,  unprotected,  and  on  foot,  hastening  down  a  neighboring 
street. 

The  duties  of  the  day  fulfilled,  the  children  sunk  in  sleep, 
and  her  mistress'  evening  toilette  complete^,  .ne  weary  Lydia 
sought  Mrs.  Vannecker's  apartments,  and  having  persuaded 
that  lady's  good-natured  maid  to  take  her  place  in  Mrs.  Leroy's 
nursery,  threw  on  a  well-worn  bonnet  and  shawl,  and  promis- 
ing to  return  in  an  hour,  passed  down  a  back  stair-case  and 
left  the  hotel  at  a  quick  pace. 

The  night  was  dark,  and  the  walking  bad,  being  in  some 
places  wet,  and  in  others  slippery  with  the  half-congealed  rain. 
Lydia  was  thinly  shod,  and  had  not  walked  many  rods  before 
her  feet  were  thoroughly  soaked,  and  her  whole  frame  shiver- 
ing with  the  cold.  She  felt  timid,  too,  at  being  alone  in  the 
streets  at  so  late  an  hour,  and  as  she  ventured  into  the  nar- 
rower and  darker  lanes  of  the  city,  cast  more  and  more  anx- 
ious glances  around  her.  Once,  in  her  haste,  she  slipped,  and 
would  have  fallen,  but  a  rude,  though  kindly  hand,  was  sud- 
denly stretched  forth  for  her  safety,  and  before  she  could  see 


MABEL    VAUC11AN.  81 

whence  came  the  friendly  aid  which  had  abruptly  restored  her 
to  her  feet,  her  beggarly-looking  benefactor  had  passed  on. 
Still  more  alarmed  at  the  attention  which  this  little  circum- 
stance attracted,  and  disturbed  at  the  quick,  and  as  the  over- 
excited girl  imagined,  the  curious  glances  bestowed  upon  her1 
by  one  or  two  passers-by,  she  now  commenced  running,  and 
had  proceeded  some  paces  without  looking  to  the  right  or  left, 
when,  as  she  gained  a  street  corner,  a  hand  was  suddenly  laid 
upon  her  shoulder.  She  gave  a  quick  and  nervous  start, 
but,  re-assured  by  the  sound  of  a  familiar  laugh,  checked  her- 
self in  her  rapid  progress,  and  exclaimed,  quite  out  of  breath, 
but  in  a  tone  of  evident  relief,  "  Why  Jack,  is  that  you  ?  How 
you  frightened  me  ?  " 

"  What  are  you  afraid  of?"  asked  the  other,  in  a  rough,  but 
boyish  tone. 

"  Afraid  of  everything,"  said  Lydia.  "  I  am  not  used  to  be- 
ing out  in  the  night,  and  you  ought  not  to  be  either ;  who  is 
that  with  you  ? "  added  she,  in  an  undertone,  as  she  caught 
sight  of  a  figure  lingering  near  them. 

Jack  hesitated,  and  then  replied,  somewhat  reluctantly, 
"  Bob  Martin." 

"  Oh,  Jack ! "  was  the  only  response  the  girl  made,  but  the 
tone  of  her  voice  conveyed  reproof. 

Her  brother,  for  such  was  the  relation  between  the  two, 
looked  down,  marked  a  little  circle  on  the  snow  with  his  foot, 
and  was  silent. 

"  Come,"  said  Lydia,  "  I  am  going  home,  and  I  am  in  a 
hurry.  I  have  only  an  hour  to  stay.  Come  with  me,  Jack." 

The  boy  made  a  reluctant  movement  to  accompany  her,  at 
the  same  time  whistling  significantly  to  his  companion,  a  youth 
much  taller  than  himself,  and  who,  with  an  independent  and 
swaggering  air,  had  sauntered  down  the  street  in  the  direction 
the  brother  and  sister  were  pursuing. 

"  Hush !  "  whispered  Lydia ;  "  do  n't  call  that  boy, — I  do  n't 
want  him." 

u  Well,  come  along,  then,"  said  Jack,  roughly,  and  he  moved 
in  the  direction  of  home.  They  had  not  proceeded  far,  how- 


82  MABEL    VAUOHAN. 

ever,  before  they  overtook  Bob  Martin,  who  was  purposely 
loitering  under  the  shadow  of  a  building,  and  as  they  passed 
him,  Jack  spoke,  under  his  breath,  but  loud  enough  to  be  dis- 
tinctly heard  by  Lydia,  "You  wait  here,  Bob,  —  I'll  be  back 
•  in  a  jiffy." 

The  two  walked  on  for  a  few  moment  in  silence,  then  Lydia 
exclaimed,  with  considerable  irritation  of  manner,  "  I  wonder 
what  mother  would  say,  Jack,  if  she  knew  you  were  out  with 
Bob  Martin  at  this  time  of  night ! " 

"  Mother  does  n't  know  anything  about  him,"  replied  the 
boy,  "  nor  .you  either.  Bob 's  a  real  good  fellow ! " 

"  Why  Jack,"  cried  Lydia,  "  how  can  you  say  so  ?  You 
know  he  is  the  most  idle,  profane  boy  in  the  neighborhood  ;  I 
should  think  you  had  had  warning  enough  to  keep  out  of  his 
way." 

"  I  do  n't  care,"  said  Jack,  "  he  is  a  real  good-hearted  fellow, 
anyhow." 

"  I  should  think  you  would  be  ashamed  of  yourself,  Jack," 
said  Lydia,  vehemently,  "  to  be  standing  up  for  such  a  fellow 
as  he  is  ! " 

"  Did  n't  he  stand  up  for  me,  I  should  like  to  know  ?  "  re- 
torted Jack,  angrily. 

A  glance  of  scorn  shot  from  Lydia's  eyes,  as  she  replied  in 
a  contemptuous  tone  of  voice,  "  Well,  if  I  were  in  your  place,  I 
would  n't  say  much  about  that." 

"  Why  not  ?  "  asked  Jack,  turning  almost  fiercely  upon  her. 

"  Because,"  answered  she,  with  temper,  "  if  you  like  to  talk 
about  it,  I  do  n't." 

"  Poh ! "  exclaimed  Jack,  attempting  a  braggart  tone,  in 
spite  of  the  evident  mortification  which  overspread  his  face  at 
his  sister's  words. 

A  long  silence  ensued,  broken  only  by  an  occasional  wrhistle 
from  the  boy,  who  walked  at  Lydia's  side  with  a  shuffling  gait 
and  a  forced  air  of  unconcern.  At  length,  the  latter  asked,  with 
some  abruptness,  "  How  is  Rosy  ?  " 

The  question  seemed  to  have  a  magical  effect  upon  the  boy. 
He  ceased  whistling,  and  the  careless,  blustering  tone  in  which 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  83 

he  had  "previously  spoken,  became  subdued  and  tremulous  as 
he  replied,  "  She  aint  any  better ;  I  do  n't  believe,  Lyddy,  she 
ever  will  be." 

Lydia  did  not  answer,  and  they  reached  their  destination 
without  another  word  being  spoken.  Jack,  having  accompa- 
nied her  to  the  door,  now  drew  back,  as  if  he  had  no  thought 
of  entering,  and  she,  seeing  the  movement,  paused  and  looked 
in  his  face  with  eager  scrutiny,  while  she  said,  "  You  do  n't 
mean  to  go  back  to  him  to-night  ?  " 

"  But  I  do,  though,"  was  the  defiant  reply. 
-Lydia  expostulated  with  injudicious  warmth,  and  a  short 
and  somewhat  sharp  dialogue  between  the  two,  resulted 
finally  in  the  irritation  of  both  parties,  and  a  resolve  in  the 
mind  of  the  self-willed  boy  to  enjoy  the  society  of  his  friend 
whenever  he  pleased,  in  spite  of  his  sister's  well-meant  but 
unavailing  .interference. 

The  truth  of  the  case  was  this.  The  Hope  family,  of  which 
Lydia  and  Jack  were  members,  had,  a  few  weeks  before,  been 
subjected  to  agitation  and  alarm  by  the  sudden  tidings  that  the 
latter,  with  a  party  of  rude  companions,  had  been  engaged  in 
a  street  brawl,  and  was  shut  up  in  the  watch-house  for  the  night, 
with  the  prospect  of  being  next  day  committed  to  jail.  From 
this  situation  he  had  only  been  rescued  upon  the  payment  of  a 
heavy  fine,  which  consumed  the  hard-earned  savings  of  his 
motherland  compelled  his  hitherto  indulged  sister  to  seek  tha 
service  she  now  fulfilled  at  Mrs.  Leroy's. 

The  poor  widow,  already  nearly  weighed  down  by  misfor- 
tune, bowed  her  head  in  silence  at  this  new  stroke,  uttered  few 
complaints,  greeted  her  son  on  his  return  home  with  few  re- 
proaches, save  those  which  were  conveyed  in  every  line  of  her 
despairing  countenance,  and  pursued  her  daily  labor  with  a 
slow  step  and  apathetic  air,  which  spoke  of  a  weary,  care-worn 
frame,  and  a  heart  grown  old  and  seared  amid  anxiety  and 
trouble. 

But  Lydia  had  not  yet  reached  that  degree  of  hopeless  sub- 
mission, nor  had  she  learned  in  the  school  of  hardship  and  dis- 
appointment that  meek  forbearance  which  has  its  source  in 


84  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

Christian  faith.  Moreover,  her  spirit  could  not  easily  brook 
the  mortification  and  distress  which  Jack's  misconduct  had  en- 
tailed upon  them  all,  and  she  assumed  more  than  an  elder  sis- 
ter's privilege  in  the  harsh  rebukes  which  she  bestowed  upon 
the  offender,  and  the  bitter  scorn  which  she  heaped  upon  his 
idle  and  profligate  companions,  especially  Bob  Martin,  a  recent 
and  most  unprofitable  associate. 

Jack  could  not  deny  the  fact  that  Bob  had  led  him  into  diffi- 
culty, but  he  still  insisted,  with  grateful  warmth,  on  the  debt 
he  owed  him  for  the  ability  and  shrewdness  with  which  he  had 
conducted  their  mutual  defence,  obtaining  their  liberation  after 
a  single  night's  imprisonment  at  the  police  station. 

To  every  accusation  brought  against  his  new  friend  by  the 
incensed  Lydia,  he  was  ready,  as  we  have  seen,  with  the  prompt 
rejoinder,  "  He 's  a  good-hearted  fellow,  any  way,  and  stood  up 
for  me  when  all  the  rest  were  only  thinking  how  they  should 
get  clear  of  the  scrape  themselves." 

Thus,  this  mortifying  adventure  served,  on  the  whole,  to 
confirm  rather  than  weaken  the  influence  which  the  experienced 
offender  had  gained  over  his  young  and  unsophisticated  com- 
panion, who,  long  since  emancipated  from  his  mother's  control, 
and  still  less  disposed  to  submit  to  Lydia's  dictation,  now  ap- 
peared to  acknowledge  no  authority  save  that  of  the  city  mag- 
istrates, of  which  his  recent  experience  still  held  him  in  awe. 

But,  although  blind  to  the  silent  woe  painted  on  his  mother's 
features,  deaf  to  the  unsparing  rebukes  of  the  injured  Lydia, 
and  steeled  against  the  ill-opinion  of  the  neighborhood,  there 
was  one  gentle  influence  against  which  the  boy's  rebellious 
spirit  was  not  proof.  There  was  one  eye  which  followed  him, 
even  when  absent  from  its  presence,  —  one  voice  which  never 
spoke  to  his  ear  unheard,  —  one  little  hand  whose  restraining 
pressure  had  power  to  check  him  in  his  headlong  career. 
Gently  and  noiselessly  had  the  spell  been  cast  around  him  ;  but 
the  boy's  rude  nature  softened,  and  his  heart  bowed  down  with 
something  like  holy  awe,  when  he  listened  to  the  sweet,  loving 
words,  or  gazed  upon  the  little  withered  form  of  his  invalid 
sister,  Rosy. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  85 

« 

She  alone  had  received  him  after  his  disgrace,  in  that  spirit 
which  at  once  whispers  to  the  contrite  heart  of  sorrow,  forgive- 
ness, love,  and  hope.  She  had  extended  her  little  trembling 
hand,  and  while  the  tear  started  to  her  large  blue  eye,  had 
pressed  it  to  her  fevered  cheek,  and  murmured,  in  broken 
accents,  "  you  will  not  stay  away  from  Rosy  another  night  ?  " 
and  he  had  laid  his  head  on  her  pillow  and  wept,  though  no 
one  but  Rosy  knew  it. 

There  was  a  chord  in  his  heart,  the  secret  spring  of  which 
this  sick  little  sufferer  alone  had  power  to  touch.  Often,  amid 
noisy  and  contentious  scenes,  did  this  one  tender  and  plaintive 
note  break  in  upon  the  discord ;  and  thus  it  happened  that,  on 
the  evening  in  question,  when  Lydia,  in  the  tumult  of  excited 
feeling,  was  about  to  lay  an  impetuous  hand  upon  the  latch  of 
her  mother's  door,  she  was  checked  by  a  sudden  and  hasty  cau- 
tion from  Jack,  who,  immediately  after  a  storm  of  angry 
invective,  exclaimed,  in  a  more  gentle  tone,  "  Hush !  Lyd,  — 
don't  make  a  noise,  —  like  enough  Rosy 's  asleep,  —  she  was 
when  I  came  away." 

This  door,  the  upper  part  of  which  consisted  of  glass,  and 
thus  answered  the  purpose  also  of  a  window,  led  directly  into 
a  low,  dimly  lighted,  and  ill-furnished  shop;  and  notwithstanding 
Lydia's  precautions,  a  little  bell  attached  to  the  entrance  tinkled 
loudly  as  she  entered.  She  paused  a  moment,  until  the  sound 
should  have  died  away,  and  was  then  advancing  into  an  inner 
room,  when  she  was  met  by  her  mother,  whose  quick  ear  had 
caught  the  ever-welcome  sound  of  the  bell,  and  who  was  eagerly 
hastening  to  wait  upon  the  supposed  customer. 

"  Why,  Lyddy,  is  that  you  ?  "  she  exclaimed,  her  sober  face 
relieved  by  a  sickly  smile,  as  the  parent  prevailed  over  the 
shop-keeper,  and  her  disappointed  hopes  of  a  purchaser  for  her 
goods  gave  place  to  maternal  satisfaction  at  the  sight  of  her 
child. 

Then,  bestowing  on  her  a  more  careful  glance,  she  added,  in 
an  anxious  tone,  the  smile  at  the  same  time  dying  away  from 
her  pale  face,  "  What  is  the  matter,  child  ?  How  wet  you  are ! 
here,  come  into  the  back  room  —  I've  got  a  fire  in  the  stove  ;" 


86  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

and  she  stepped  into  a  small  apartment  behind  the  shop,  Lydia 
following  her  with  a  languid  step  and  quivering  lip.  It  was  a 
mere  box  of  a  place,  uncarpeted,  scantily  furnished,  and  with  a 
close,  unwholesome  atmosphere.  The  flames  which  were  crack- 
ling in  the  stove  had  evidently  been  but  recently  kindled,  for 
the  mixture  contained  in  a  large  kettle,  placed  directly  over 
them,  had  not  commenced  boiling,  and  the  air  in  the  room  was 
chilly.  Lydia  threw  her  bonnet  on  a  table,  seated  herself  in  a 
chair  beside  it,  and  fixed  her  eyes  moodily  in  the  direction  of 
the  stove.  Her  mother  stirred  the  mixture.  Neither  of  them 
spoke.  At  length  a  long  sigh  from  Lydia  broke  the  silence. 
"  Do  tell  me  what  has  happened,"  said  Mrs.  Plope ;  "  some- 
thing has  gone  wrong,  and  I  may  as  well  know  first  as  last ; " 
and  as  she  spoke  she  stretched  out  her  hand  and  gently  closed 
the  door  which  led  into  a  little  sleeping-room  beyond.  Then, 
as  Lydia  still  continued  silent,  she  added,  "  have  you  left  your 
place?" 

"  Not  yet,"  exclaimed  Lydia,  the  self-control  which  had  been 
but  ill-maintained  before,  now  giving  way  entirely,  and  her 
voice  half-choked  with  sobs ;  "  nothing  so  dreadful  is  the  mat- 
ter, and  I  wish  I  had  n't  come  here  to-night ;  I  don't  see  what 
I  did  for, —  only — only — "  and  here  she  covered  her  face  with 
her  hands,  and  fell  to  weeping  so  bitterly  that  she  found  it 
impossible  to  utter  another  word. 

The  poor  mother  looked  distressed,  and  continued  her  opera- 
tions at  the  stove  with  a  vacant  air,  her  eye  resting  on  her 
child.  A  somewhat  commonplace  and  practical  character,  and 
constant  familiarity  with  trouble,  forbade  any  more  marked 
demonstration  of  anxiety.  Her  sympathy  was  none  the  less 
keen,  however,  and  from  time  to  time  she  uttered  interjectional 
phrases,  designed  to  call  forth  an  explanation  of  this  new  sor- 
row, and  subdue  its  effects. 

Not  until  the  girl  had  indulged  in  a  short  but  hearty  fit  of 
weeping,  did  she  pay  any  regard  to  the  "  Come,  Lyddy  !  —  now 
don't  Lyddy  ! "  with  which  her  mother  from  time  to  time  ad- 
dressed her.  At  length,  however,  she  lifted  up  her  head,  shook 
it  with  a  determined  air,  wiped  the  tears  from  her  stained  face, 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  87 

Q 

and  drawing  near  the  stove,  took  off  her  shoes  and  placed  her 
wet  feet  upon  the  hearth.  Encouraged  by  these  favorable 
symptoms,  Mrs.  Hope  seated  herself  in  an  opposite  chair,  and 
soon  had  the  satisfaction  of  hearing  from  the  now  loosened  and 
voluble  tongue  of  Lydia  an  explanation  of  her  agitated  state  of 
mind.  Greatly  relieved  was  she,  also,  to  become  assured 
that  this  unusual  agitation  had  sprung  from  causes  far  less 
serious  than  her  imagination  had  pictured. 

Still  the  poor  woman  could  not  listen  unmoved  to  a  detailed 
account  of  the  injustice  and  abuse  which  her  child  had  suffered, 
nor  could  she  fail  to  share  the  suspicion  and  dread  which  had 
been  excited  in  Lydia's  mind  by  Jack's  recent  display  of  obsti- 
nacy and  self-will,  a  full  report  of  which  was  unhesitatingly 
poured  into  her  ear. 

Had  Lydia  been  a  heroine,  had  she  even  been  a  girl  of 
spirit,  she  would  not  have  fled  to  her  mother  with  this  long  list 
of  troubles.  She  would  either  have  staid  away  from  the  abode 
of  poverty  and  sickness,  or  would  have  come  hither  with  a 
cheerful  countenance.  She  would  have  drawn  a  veil  over  her 
own  grievances,  and  pondered  deeply  upon  Jack's  disposition 
for  bad  company,  before  she  had  saddened  her  mother's  heart, 
and  perhaps  caused  her  a  sleepless  night,  by  expatiating  upon 
his  violence  and  folly. 

But  Lydia  was  no  heroine ;  she  was  only  a  tired,  irritated 
servant  girl,  whose  fortunes  and  spirits  were  both  under  a 
cloud ;  and  so  she  came  —  as  hundreds  of  us  have  done  in  our 
turn  —  to  pour  all  her  grievances  into  a  mother's  ear,  and  lay 
her  weight  of  sorrows  on  a  heart  already  sufficiently  burdened 
with  its  own. 

"  Well,"  said  Mrs.  Hope,  with  a  deep  groan,  "  if  you  can't 
stay  at  your  place  you  must  come  home  —  that 's  all.  AVe 
can't  be  -much  worse  off  than  we  have  been ;  and  as  to  Jack, 
why  —  if  he  will  go  to  ruin,  he  will,  and  its  no  use  to  worry 
about  it." 

Such  philosophy  was  not  very  consoling ;  still  Lydia's  load 
of  care  seemed  lighter,  now  that  her  mother  had  taken  up  the 
burden;  and  recalling  the  one  bright  feature  in  her  day's  expe- 


88  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

rience,  she  proceeded  to  relate  the  incident  of  Mabel's  inter- 
ference, at  the  same  time  drawing  from  her  pocket  the  price  of 
her  painful  services,  advanced  to  her  from  such  an  unexpected 
quarter.  But,  greatly  to  her  surprise  and  grief,  her  mother 
refused  to  receive  the  money.  "  You  will  find  plenty  of  use 
for  it  yourself,  before  you  get  another  place,"  said  the  poor 
widow,  who  inwardly  shrunk  from  appropriating  the  wages  of 
Lydia's  daily  slavery.  "  You  have  n't  a  decent  pair  of  shoes 
to  your  feet,"  added  she,  glancing  at  the  worn  and  almost  use- 
less slippers  now  drying  on  the  stove. 

"  Oh,  take  it,  mother,  do  take  it ! "  exclaimed  the  mortified 
and  repentant  Lydia,  at  once  perceiving  the  effect  of  her  own 
selfish  murmurings. 

"  Hark  ! "  said  Mrs.  Hope,  softly,  without  seeming  to  notice 
her  extended  hand.  They  both  listened.  A  low  sound  was 
distinctly  audible  through  the  closed  door  of  the  bed-room. 
Mrs.  Hope  made  a  motion  to  rise,  and  at  the  same  instant 
the  shop-bell  was  heard  to  ring.  Lydia  started  forward,  say- 
ing, eagerly,  "  I  will  see  if  Rosy  wants  anything,  mother,  while 
you  mind  the  shop." 

Let  us  follow  Lydia  into  the  bed-roonic  There  is  a  taper 
dimly  burning  there,  an  indulgence  always  craved  by  the  sick 
child,  who  propped  up  by  pillows  is  reclining  on  the  bed.  It 
would  be  difficult  to  guess  her  age;  for  though  her  little 
wasted  limbs  and  tiny  hands  would  seem  those  of  a  young 
child,  there  is  no  youthful  glow  in  the  pale  and  sunken  face 
resting  on  the  pillow.  Her  hair  is  light,  and  has  a  golden 
tinge  ;  her  transparent  forehead  is  marked  with  deep  blue 
veins ;  there  is  a  dark  circle  beneath  her  eyes ;  her  features  are 
narrow  and  contracted ;  her  thin  lips  pressed  close  together  as 
if  sealed  in  that  position  by  long  and  persevering  efforts  to 
repress  every  indication  of  the  pain  which  has,  nevertheless, 
set  its  seal  on  each  line  of  her  expressive  face.  There  is  no 
beauty,  no  loveliness,  no  childish  promise  in  that  pinched  and 
narrow  countenance,  on  which  disease  has  stamped  itself  for 
years.  Only  in  the  deep  blue  eyes,  which  like  brilliant  jewels 
seem  starting  from  their  withered  settings  can  one  read  aught 


MAIiKL    VAUGIIAN.  80 

» 

of  hope ;  nor  is  it  any  earthly  hope  with  which  the  soul  seems 
ever  looking  forth  from  those  bright  windows,  on  —  on  through 
the  mists  of  time,  to  some  happy,  though  unknown  land,  where 
the  patient  little  sufferer  may  hope  to  rest. 

Lydia  opened  the  door  so  noiselessly,  that  the  sound  was 
unheard  by  her  sister,  who  had  awaked  from  sleep  with  the 
moan  which  had  been  heard  in  the  next  room,  but  who  now 
commenced  singing,  if  that  could  be  termed  singing  which  con- 
sisted merely  of*  a  low,  warbling  sound,  —  a  few  soft  syllables, 
chanted  again  and  again,  —  to  a  tune  of  her  own  composing. 
Her  eyes  were  fixed  on  the  opposite  wall,  and  she  did  not  ob- 
serve Lydia's  entrance,  until  the  latter  stood  close  beside  her. 
She  then  turned  her  head  slightly,  unclasped  her  thin  hands 
and  laid  one  of  them  on  the  hand  of  her  sister,  saying  softly, 
«  Lyddy ! " 

Lydia  sat  down  on  the  side  of  the  bed.  Who.  would  have 
believed,  to  see  the  pretty,  well-grown  young  woman,  and  the 
puny,  sickly  child,  that  there  was  a  difference  of  but  five  years 
in  their  ages  !  but  so  it  was,  for  Rosy's  little  withered  form 
had  already  numbered  thirteen  summers. 

"  Have  you  been  very  sick  to-day,  Rose  ?  "  asked  Lydia  in 
a  low  voice. 

"  O  Lyddy,"  said  the  child  "  I've  had  to  sing  all  the  time 
when  I  have  been  awake." 

Lydia  sighed,  for  Rose  had  told  her  in  confidence,  just 
before  she  left  home,  that  she  never  sang  except  when  in 
great  pain. 

"  0,  poor  Rosy ! "  she  exclaimed,  in  a  tone  of  deep  compas- 
sion. 

"  No,  not  poor,"  said  Rose,  thoughtfully,  "  not  poor ;"  and 
fixing  her  eyes  upon  the  opposite  wall  with  that  earnest  gaze 
which  seemed  to  look  far  off  into  the  future,  she  added  — 
"little  pilgrim  and  I  have  kept  each  other  company  all  day, — 
the  path  is  dark,  Lyddy,  but  God's  blessed  angels  keep  watch 
above  the  clouds,  and  the  way  grows  brighter  at  the  end,  you 
know." 

As    Rosy   spoke,  Lydia's    eyes   unconsciously  sought   the 

8* 


90  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

object  to  which  the  child's  attention  seemed  riveted, as  if  striv- 
ing to  discern  in  it  the  source  of  that  rapt  and  serene  joy, 
which  now  lent  a  momentary  glow  to  her  sister's  sunken  fea- 
tures. The  feeble  light  of  the  taper  shone  directly  upon  a 
small,  but  exquisite  engraving,  which,  neatly  and  even  richly 
framed,  was  strangely  incongruous  with  the  meagre  furniture 
and  time-stained  walls  of  the  apartment,  being  the  only  object 
of  taste  or  luxury  which  the  room  afforded.  A  portion  of  the 
picture  was  in  shadow,  but  the  figure  of  a  youthful  traveller 
was  discernible  in  the  foreground,  above  whose  head  rolled 
many  a  dark  and  threatening  cloud,  while  the  path  beneath 
his  feet  was  obscure  and  narrow.  He  trod  with  an  assured 
step,  however,  and  an  eye  uplifted  to  the  spot  where,  in  the 
clearer  firmament,  three  cherub  heads  might  be  distinctly  seen, 
looking  forth  from  above  the  silvery  summits  of  those  very 
clouds,  which  at  their  base  w^re  so  dark  and  fearful. 

It  was  no  new  appeal  which  this  little  fellow  pilgrim  made 
to  the  sympathizing  heart  of  Rosy,  —  no  fresh  lesson  of  encour- 
agement and  hope  which  she  drew  from  the  sight  of  the  angel- 
guard,  set  above  life's  dreary  pathway.  For  many  a  year,  the 
picture  had  accompanied  her  from  one  room  to  another,  hang- 
ing always  opposite  her  bed,  during  the  long  weeks  of  illness 
that  had  often  confined  her  to  her  pillow.  But  its  eloquence 
was  not  exhausted  yet.  Every  day,  on  the  contrary,  her  spirit 
drank  deeper  of  its  heavenly  lesson,  and  became  more  and 
more  convinced  of  the  reality  of  its  blessed  promises  ;  while  to 
her  lonely  hours  of  pain,  it  acted  as  a  soothing  balm,  none  the 
less  effectual  from  the  frequency  of  its  application. 

A  moment's  glance  at  the  familiar  picture  was  sufficient  for 
Lydia,  whose  mind  was  not  open  to  the  language  of  art,  more 
especially  to  those  things  which  are  spiritually  discerned. 
None  could  be  blind  to  its  sacred  truths,  however,  as  they  were 
seen  reflected  in  the  holy  patience,  the  religious  calm,  which 
overspread  the  pale  face  of  Rosy ;  and  a  deep  and  humble 
sense  of  contrition  stole  into  the  heart  of  Lydia,  as  she  com- 
pared her  own  fretful  murn  airings  with  the  saint-like  submis- 
sion of  the  child.  "  O  RO.-.C ! "  cried  she,  her  self-reproach 


t  MABEL    VAUGHAN.  91 

bursting  forth  with  a  sudden  vehemence  which  startled  the 
invalid  girl,  —  "  you  make  me  quite  ashamed  of  myself — in- 
deed you  do !  I  wish  I  were  half  as  good  as  you  are.  My 
troubles  are  nothing  to  yours,  and  yet  I  make  myself  and 
everybody  else  miserable;  while  you,  —  you  make  the  best  of 
everything  ?  " 

Rose  looked  anxiously  into  her  sister's  face,  and  answered 
soothingly  —  "  0,Lyddy !  no  wonder  you  get  discouraged,  you 
have  so  much  to  do,  and  so  many  to  please,  while  I  only 
have  to  be  patient  with  myself.  I  have  thought  about  you  all 
the  week,  and  have  wished — Oh,  how  I  have  wished, — I  could 
see  you  once  in  a  while,  an$  know  how  you  were  getting  along, 
and  whether  the  boys  were  very  naughty,  and  if  you  had  to  sit 
up  late  every  night  for  Mrs.  Leroy.  You  are  all  tired  out, 
aint  you  Lyddy?"  continued  she,  observing  the  languid,  and 
despairing  attitude  into  which  the  weary  girl  had  thrown  her 
self.  "  Here,  lie  down  by  me  a  few  minutes  and  rest ! " 
Rose  threw  her  arm  over  her  sister,  and  as  the  latter  laid 
down  beside  her,  she  went  on  in  a  soft  and  soothing  voice,  — 
"  tell  mo  all  about  them,  Lyddy  dear." 

"  What  shall  I  tell  ?  "  asked  Lydia. 

"Oh,  everything,  whatever  troubles  you  most?" 

But  that  Lydia  could  not  do.  The  petty  vexations  of  the 
week,  had  sunk  into  insignificance  in  view  of  Rose's  patient 
endurance,  nor  could  she  relate  to  the  sick  child  the  deeper 
wound  she  had  suffered  on  her  account,  with  all  its  unhappy 
consequences. 

"  I  will  tell  you,"  said  she,  after  a  moment's  hesitation,  "  of 
some  one  I  have  seen  to-day,  who  is  as  beautiful  as  — 

"  As  Mrs.  Leroy  ?  "  inquired  Rose,  interrupting  her. 

"  Oh,  yes  indeed,"  answered  Lydi'a,  in  a  tone  which  seemed 
to  disdain  the  comparison. 

"  But  you  thought  her  so  pretty  at  first !  " 

"  Did  I  ?  "Well,  I  don't  now ;  but  never  mind.  Miss  Mabel 
does  n't  look  one  bit  like  her,  though  she  is  her  sister ;"  and 
warming  with  the  subject,  Lydia  lifted  her  head  from  the  pil- 
low, and  leaning  on  her  elbow  with  her  eyes  fixed  upon  Rosy, 


92  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

entered  upon  a  glowing  panegyric  of  her  new  and  kind  young 
friend. 

Rose  seemed  to  catch  her  enthusiasm  as  she  proceeded,  and 
at  length  exclaimed  with  eager  interest,  as  Lydia  paused  in 
her  animated  description,  "  Tell  me  more ;  what  did  she  say  to 
Alick  ?  did  he  like  her  ?  " 

Lydia,  once  embarked  on  the  subject,  gave  a  faithful  narra- 
tive of  Mabel's  visit,  with  the  exception  of  those  particulars 
which  related  to  her  own  difficulty  with  Mrs.  Leroy  and  con- 
sequent dismission. 

"  Fresh,  bright  and  beautiful !  and  just  from  the  country  !  " 
said  Rose  meditatively,  —  "  Oh,  how  I  should  like  to  see  her!" 

Lydia  sighed  as  she  thought  how  improbable  it  was  that  this 
wish  would  ever  be  gratified. 

"  You  will  see  her  again  ?  "  said  Rose  in  an  inquiring  tone. 

"  Perhaps  so." 

"And  you  will  remember  everything  she  says,  and  does, 
so  as  to  tell  me  ?  " 

" I  will  try." 

"  Just  from  the  country  !  "  again  soliloquized  Rose.  "  How 
I  should  like  to  see  some  one  from  the  country."  Poor  Rose 
had  never  in  her  life  been  beyond  the  city  streets,  and  the 
country,  to  her  imagination,  was  an  earthly  Paradise. 

"  Rose,"  said  Lydia,  in  a  hopeful  tone  of  voice,  "  you  must 
get  better,  so  that  next  summer  you  and  I  can  go  up  to  the  old 
farm." 

Rose  shook  her  head,  and  then  as  if  a  thought  had  suddenly 
occurred  to  her  mind,  said  in  a  quiet  whisper,  "  Lyddy,  where 's 
Jack?" 

"  Gone  off  with  Bob  Martin,"  replied  Lydia,  some  return- 
ing bitterness  mingling  with  her  tone  of  voice,"  and  I  may  as 
well  go  back  alone,"  continued  she,  making  a  movement  to 
rise  from  her  place  by  Rose's  side,  "  for  like  enough  he  won't 
be  home  till  morning." 

"  Yes  he  will,"  said  Rose  confidently;  "he  will  come  to  give 
me  my  drops  at  ten ;  he  has  never  forgotten  it  since  you  went 
away.  Is  it  near  that  time  now  ?  " 


MAP. HI,    VAU*;iIAN.  93 

"  It  cdn't  be  far  from  it,"  said  Lydhi.  "  I  will  go  and  get 
my  bonnet  and  see  if  my  shoes  are  dry." 

At  this  moment  Jack's  voice  was  heard  in  the  shop,  and  just 
as  a  church  clock  near  by  struck  the  hour  of  ten,  he  entered 
Rose's  room  on  tiptoe,  holding  in  his  hand  a  cup  and  phial. 
Lydia  had  not  yet  left  the  room,  but  sat  behind  the  bed,  quite 
out  of  sight,  and  Bob  Martin  himself  could  scarcely  have  been 
more  astonished  than  she  was  at  the  sight  which  now  met  her 
eyes. 

Could  this  be  Jack,  the  noisy  and  oftentimes  profane  boy, 
who  now  stood  near  the  light,  carefully  measuring  out  and 
counting  the  drops  ?  Could  it  be  his  rough  hand  which  was 
tenderly  passed  beneath  his  sister's  neck,  while  he  gently 
rested  her  head  on  his  shoulder,  and  placed  the  medicine  to 
her  lips  ?  Above  all,  could  it  be  his  rude  accents  which  were 
now  softened  to  the  affectionate  inquiry,  "Do  you  feel  any 
better,  Rosy  ?  " 

Yes,  it  was  Jack ;  there  could  be  no  doubt  of  that,  for  as 
Lydia  followed  him  into  the  kitchen,  after  his  labors  as  a  nurse 
were  completed,  he  betrayed  his  ordinary  self  by  the  abrupt 
and  harsh  manner  in  which  he  addressd  her  with,  "  Well,  Lyd ! 
you  here  yet  ?  " 

"  Of  course  I  am,"  said  Lydia,  half  provoked,  half  grieved, 
at  his  surly  manner  towards  her ;  "  did  you  suppose  I  had 
gone  back  alone  ?  " 

"Jack ! "  called  Rose  from  the  next  room. 

He  was  instantly  by  her  side. 

"  You  '11  go  home  with  Lyddy  ?  " 

"Yes." 

"  And  then  come  back  to  me  ?  " 

"  Yes." 

"  That 's  a  good  boy." 

"  Good  night,  Rose,"  said  Lydia,  stooping  over  her"  bed  to 
kiss  her,  while  Jack  went  to  look  for  his  cap.  "  I  can 't  tell 
when  I  shall  see  you  again ;  give  this  to  mother  when  I  am 
gone.  Good  night,  darling;"  and  she  left  in  Rose's  hands  the 
bank-bills  which  her  poor  mother  had  declined  receiving. 


94  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

It  was  a  very  dreary  walk  back  to  the  hotel — still  raining, 
and  very  wet  under  foot.  Jack  and  Lydia  proceeded  rapidly 
and  in  silence,  the  former  somewhat  in  advance,  while  the  latter 
tried  to  pick  her  way  so  as  to  avoid  the  puddles  in  the  side- 
walk. Both  were  thoughtful ;  both  perhaps  a  little  mortified 
at  their  recent  ill  humor ;  at  all  events,  neither  felt  disposed 
for  conversation,  and  a  hasty  good-night  from  Lydia,  and  a 
sulky  response  from  her  brother  were  all  that  passed  between 
them. 

Perhaps  the  walk,  with  the  meditations  to  which  it  gave 
rise,  left  an  impression  upon  Lydia's  mind,  for  her  sleep  that 
night  was  haunted  by  the  vision  of  a  dark  and  dreary  road  on 
which  she  and  Jack  were  travelling  ;  sometimes  Mabel  seemed 
to  be  with  them,  leading  her  little  nephews  by  the  hand ;  and 
always  the  path  was  hard,  and  the  sky  overshadowed  with 
clouds.  But  they  went  on,  it  seemed  to  her,  in  safety,  and 
the  way  grew  brighter  as  they  went,  while  on  every  cloud  an 
angel  rode  triumphant,  and  every  angel  wore  the  face  of 
Rosy. 


CHAPTER    IX. 

And  oft  though  wisdom  wake,  suspicion  sleeps 
At  wisdom's  gate,  and  to  simplicity 
Resigns  her  charge,  while  goodness  thinks  no  ill 
Where  no  ill  seems. 

MlLTOX. 

SEVERAL  weeks  passed  away,  during  which  Mabel  con- 
tinued to  enjoy  an  almost  uninterrupted  round  of  gaiety.  A 
city  belle,  however,  should,  notwithstanding  the  precautions  of 
modern  luxury,  be  possessed  of  a  constitution  insensible  to 
every  injurious  influence ;  and  Mabel,  despite  her  usual  high 
health,  was  not  proof  against  the  combined  effects  of  excite- 
ment, exposure,  and  fatigue.  A  sudden  cold,  accompanied  by 
feverish  symptoms,  compelled  her,  at  length,  to  forego  all 
society,  save  that  which  her  home  afforded;  and  now  for  the 
first  time,  perhaps,  did  she  learn  to  estimate  the  full  extent  of 
that  solicitude  of  which  she  was  the  cherished  object.  Her 
father's  affectionate  anxiety,  her  aunt's  assiduous  and  patient 
nursing,  and  Harry's  brotherly  attention  and  devotedness,  far 
outweighed  the  gratification  derived  from  the  numerous  bou- 
quets and  notes  of  condolence  which  covered  her  dressing- 
room  table  ;  and  during  a  few  days  of  positive  illness,  and  a 
week  of  convalescence,  she  had  an  ample  opportunity  of  ap- 
preciating the  value  of  those  domestic  blessings  and  privileges, 
which  had  hitherto  been  obscured  by  the  more  brilliant  plea- 
sures of  fashion  and  the  world. 

This  temporary  and  forced  seclusion  from  society  occurred, 
too,  at  the  time  when  Mabel  was  first  beginning  to  be  conscious 
of  the  monotony  which  existed  in  those  gay  circles,  which  to 
Louise  constituted  the  world.  A  certain  fondness  for  admiration, 
and  a  natural  gratification  at  the  large  share  of  it  which 


96  MABEL    VACGIIAN. 

her  position  and  charms  excited,  had  served  for  a  time  to 
blind  her  to  the  insipidity  of  the  sources  from  whence  it  was 
bestowed ;  and  the  attractions  of  dress,  excitement,  and  dis- 
play, enlisted  her  interest  so  long  as  they  continued  to  be 
novelties.  But  she  had  too  much  freshness  of  feeling  to  find 
any  lasting  pleasure  in  the  same  unvaried  round  of  engage- 
ments, especially  as  her  intellect  occasionally  rebelled  at  the 
endless  repetition  of  ball-room  nonsense,  which  constituted  the 
conversation  of  Mrs.  Leroy's  set. 

The  power  of  habit  is  strong,  however,  and  she  probably 
would  not  have  had  the  force  of  will  to  break  through  the 
charmed  ring  of  fashion,  had  not  necessity  laid  its  iron  hand 
upon  her.  Her  cheerful  and  loving  disposition  now  found  the 
means  of  both  receiving  and  conferring  pleasure  in  her  home, 
and  her  conscience  more  than  once  reproached  her  for  previous 
neglect  of  the  spot,  to  which  her  presence,  even  as  an  invalid, 
evidently  had  the  power  to  impart  sunshine. 

Aunt  Sabiah  was  like  a  new  being,  now  that  she  had  the 
happiness  of  Mabel's  society  and  the  occupation  of  officiating 
as  a  nurse.  Mr.  Vaughan  went  later  to  his  office  in  the  morn- 
ing, and  passed  his  evenings  with  his  family  in  the  library, 
where  the  numerous  charts,  which  usually  engrossed  his  mind 
were  never  once  unrolled.  As  for  Harry,  he  seemed  suddenly 
relieved  from  his  wonted  press  of  convivial  engagements,  and 
found  time  to  read  aloud  to  his  aunt  and  Mabel,  translate  Ger- 
man songs  for  the  latter,  and  entertain  himself  and  torment  Sa- 
biah by  rallying  her  upon  the  subject  of  the  ill-shaped  stock- 
ings which  constituted  her  favorite  knitting  work,  and  which, 
although  displaced  in  the  parlor  by  some  more  elegant  employ- 
ment, were  gladly  resumed  in  the  retirement  of  an  invalid's 
room.  Their  distorted  calves  and  shrivelled  ancles  afforded 
Harry's  fancy  continual  play,  as  to  the  sort  of  animal  for  whose 
use  they  might  be  intended;  and  although  he  never  called 
forth  any  other  than  the  invariable  retort,  that  "  it  was  a  poor 
leg  that  would  n't  shape  its  own  stocking,"  he  seemed  quite 
contented  to  have  the  war  of  wits  all  to  himself.  So  happy 
was  he,  apparently,  under  this  new  order  of  things,  that  he 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  97 

seldom  left  the  house  for  any  great  length  of  time,  except 
when  warned  away  by  the  arrival  of  Mrs.  Leroy,  who  made 
a  daily  visit  of  hustle  and  inquiry,  and  the  rattling  of  whose 
flounces  was  usually  the  signal  for  her  brother  to  walk  off, 
whistling  an  opera  air. 

Louise  was  half  provoked  at  the  contentment  with  which 
Mabel  submitted  to  a  week's  imprisonment;  more  especially  as 
she  i'elt  herself  in  some  degree  called  upon  to  enliven  her 
seclusion  now  and  then  with  her  presence,  a  species  of  self- 
sacrifice  which  she  found  intolerably  irksome.  She  always 
contrived,  however,  to  make  some  plausible  apology  for  the 
shortness  of  her  visits,  and  came  and  went  with  such  graceful 
ease,  and  so  many  affectionate  inquiries  and  complimentary 
messages,  that  Mabel  was  very  naturally  gratified  by  her 
attentions,  and  far  from  disposed  to  question  her  sincerity. 

But  the  very  circumstance  which  repelled  Mrs.  Leroy, 
opened  a  new  source  of  happiness  to  her  children,  who  now, 
for  the  first  time,  began  to  enjoy  the  privileges  of  a  grand- 
father's house.  Mabel  sent  for  them  occasionally  during  her 
short  illness ;  and  though  Harry  thought  it  a  bore  to  have* 
Alick  poring  over  a  book  in  the  corner  of  the  room,  or  staring 
moodily  out  of  the  window,  and  aunt  Sabiah  was  sure  that 
Murray's  noise  would  throw  Mabel  into  a  fever-fit,  these  visits 
served,  on  the  whole,  to  establish  natural  relations  between 
the  boys  and  the  different  members  of  the  family,  and  to  sow  tho 
seeds  of  that  future  influence  which  each  was  destined  to  exer- 
cise upon  all  the  rest.  How  far  this  experience  of  domestic 
joys,  with  the  reflections  and  sentiments  to  which  it  gave  rise, 
might  have  served  to  divert  Mabel's  mind  from  the  enjoyments 
of  gay  life,  and  dispose  her  to  serious  and  lasting  considera- 
tions of  her  own  responsibilities  and  powers,  it  is  impossible 
to  determine ;  for  by  the  time  she  was  restored  to  health,  and 
consequently  to  society,  a  new  weight  was  added  to  the  scale 
of  influence  heretofore  possessed  by  the  outward  world,  and  a 
new  sentiment  engrossed  both  her  intellect  and  heart,  to  the 
exclusion  of  all  rival  claims. 

Lincoln    Dudley   returned   unexpectedly   to   the   city,  and 


1)8  MABEL    VAUGIIAIST. 

M.ibel  met  him  under  circumstances  calculated  to  encourage 
and  increase  the  romantic  interest  she  had  long  cherished  for 
her  brother's  friend. 

A  birth-night  ball  was  given  by  one  of  her  young  friends, 
who,  not  content  with  urging  Mabel's  attendance,  both  by  note 
and  message,  came  herself  to  protest  against  the  disappoint- 
ment of  being  refused.  Mabel  had  not  been  exposed  to  the 
evening  air  since  her  illness,  and  the  invitation  was  only  ac- 
cepted with  the  proviso,  on  the  part  of  her  father,  that  she 
should  not  dance.  Louise  declared  that,  under  such  conditions, 
it  would  be  better  to  stay  at  home  ;  but  Mabel,  with  her  usual 
amiability,  was  glad  to  gratify  her  friend  on  such  easy  terms. 

She  was  surrounded  by  a  gay  group  of  flatterers,  when  she 
first  caught  sight  of  a  gentleman,  who,  leaning  against  a  mantel- 
piece with  an  easy  and  self-possessed  air,  appeared  to  be 
leisurely  scanning  the  assembly.  Perhaps  there  Avas  a  mag- 
netic power  in  those  dark,  dreamy  eyes,  for,  at  the  moment 
when  Mabel  glanced  at  the  spot  where  he  stood,  they  were 
fixed  upon  her  with  a  glance  of  scrutiny  as  well  as  admi- 
ration. When  she  next  observed  him,  however,  he  was  con- 
versing in  an  animated  manner  with  a  sprightly  lady,  who 
evidently  found  great  pleasure  in  his  conversation. 

Had  his  previous  criticism  of  Mabel  been  less  marked,  he 
could  scarcely  have  failed  to  engage  her  attention,  he  was  so 
very  unlike  any  one  she  had  ever  met  before.  His  personal 
appearance  was  striking,  for,  although  scarcely  of  the  medium 
height,  his  figure  was  well-formed  and  graceful,  while  his  atti- 
tude and  manners  denoted  an  independence,  and  a  freedom  from 
conventional  restraint,  which  distinguished  him  amid  the  com- 
pany as  one  who  could  venture  to  dispense  with  the  minor  rules 
of  etiquette.  Nevertheless,  he  was  courtly  in  his  demeanor, 
especially  towards  ladies,  and  had  evidently  the  power  of  mak- 
ing himself  generally  agreeable — for,  as  Mabel  continued  her 
ob  ervations,  she  could  not  fail  to  remark  the  eager  reception 
which  his  civilities  met  with  from  persons  of  various  ages  and 
tast  s. 

He  soon  disappeared  amid    the  crowd,   however,  and    the 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  i)(J 

thoughts  of  the  city  belle  were  once  more  engrossed  by  the 
little  thrpng  of  admirers  who  were  congratulating  themselves 
upon  her  reappearance  in  society,  and  who  remained  true  to 
their  allegiance,  in  spite  of  the  music  and  dancing  in  an  adjoin- 
ing saloon. 

Jt  was  with  some  surprise,  therefore,  that  she  felt  the  light 
touch  of  a  fan  upon  her  shoulder,  and  turning,  found  Mrs. 
Leroy  beside  her,  accompanied  by  the  stranger,  who  had  evi- 
dently sought  Louise  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  an  introduc- 
tion to  her  sister. 

Either  Louise,  in  her  haste  to  return  to  the  dance,  failed  to 
pronounce  his  name  in  an  audible  tone,  or  a  little  confusion  on 
Mabel's  part  prevented  her  catching  the  sound  distinctly ;  at 
all  events,  she  remained  quite  in  ignorance  of  the  fact  that  she 
was  making  the  acquaintance  of  Dudley. 

The  self-possessed  serenity  of  his  manners,  however,  quickly 
restored  her  wonted  composure ;  and  she  kne^w  not  how  it  was, 
that  before  many  minutes  she  found  herself  engaged  in  a  con- 
versation wholly  free  from  the  restraint  usually  consequent 
upon  an  abrupt  and  hasty  introduction.  Neither  did  she 
attempt  to  account  for  the  fact  that,  one  after  another,  even  the 
boldest  among  her  attendant  beaux  retreated  to  the  ball-room 
or  elsewhere,  leaving  Dudley  in  full  possession  of  the  field. 

She  only  knew  that  she  was  listening  to  one,  who,  in  beauty 
of  language,  originality  of  thought,  and  play  of  fancy,  was,  in 
comparison  with  those  who  had  just  left  her  side,  like  a  being 
of  a  different  order  in  nature  ;  and,  flattered  at  finding  herself 
the  object  of  attraction  to  a  superior  mind,  and  inspired,  per- 
haps, by  the  glance  of  Dudley's  eloquent  eyes,  she  felt  conscious 
of  mental  aspirations  which  her  intercourse  with  society  had 
never  before  awakened.  Finding  that  she  did  not  dance, 
Dudley  obtained  a  seat  for  her,  and  leaning  against  an  opposite 
window-frame  in  his  wonted  easy  and  half-indolent  attitude, 
continued  to  exert  his  own  brilliant  powers  of  conversation,  at 
the  same  time  emboldening  her,  by  his  apparently  careless 
address,  to  do  justice  to  that  native  grace  and  force  of  intellect 
with  which  she  was  amply  endowed. 


100  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

Not  until  Mr.  Leroy,  who  chanced  to  be  present  on  this 
occasion,  came  to  inform  her  that  the  carriage  was  waiting,  and 
Louise  also  in  readiness  to  depart,  did  she  realize  the  length 
of  time  in  which  she  had  been  so  agreeably  entertained ;  and, 
although  the  acquaintance  of  an  evening  only,  she  could  not 
conceal  from  herself  the  satisfaction  she  felt  at  Dudley's  part- 
ing assurance  that  he  hoped  to  have  the  pleasure  of  soon  seeing 
her  again. 

Harry,  contrary  to  expectation,  had  not  made  his  appear- 
ance ;  detained,  as  it  proved,  by  some  friends  whom  he  met  at 
his  club;  and  it  was  not  until  the  next  day  at  dinner  that  Mabel 
had  any  opportunity  to  speak  to  him  concerning  the  occurrences 
of  the  evening.  Her  communications  then  were  somewhat 
involuntary,  and  only  drawn  from  her  by  pointed  questions  on 
his  part.  He  compelled  her  at  length,  however,  to  acknowledge 
the  new  acquaintance  she  had  formed,  and  even  drew  her  on 
to  give  a  somewhat  minute  description  of  the  individual.  After 
amusing  himself  with  her  conjectures  concerning  him,  and  es- 
pecially her  suspicion  that  he  must  be  a  poet,  because  he  had 
dark  eyes,  was  guilty  of  long  hair,  and  some  little  eccentricities 
of  dress,  and  was,  moreover,  very  agreeable,  he  astonished  her 
with  the  abrupt  remark,  "In  a  word, — you  have  seen  Lincoln 
Dudley,  and  the  satisfaction  seems  to  be  mutual." 

A  glow  of  delighted  surprise  overspread  Mabel's  face  at  the 
first  part  of  Harry's  announcement,  while  a  quickly  succeeding 
blush  betrayed  her  sensibility  to  Dudley's  good  opinion.  Aunt 
Sabiah  at  once  became  interested  to  learn  Mabel's  opinion  of 
one  who  had  impressed  her  most  favorably.  Mr.  Vaughan 
had  some  curiosity  concerning  Harry's  friend,  and  Harry  him- 
self was  disposed  to  ply  Mabel  with  further  questions. 

But  Mabel  perseveringly  evaded  all  inquiries,  and  at  length 
contrived  to  change  the  topic  of  conversation.  It  continued 
none  the  less  the  subject  of  her  thoughts,  however. 

There  is,  perhaps,  no  flattery  to  which  a  young  girl  is  so 
susceptible,  as  that  of  finding  herself  an  object  of  interest  to  a 
man  some  years  her  senior,  possessed  of  a  superior  mind,  and, 
moreover,  one  of  the  most  popular  and  influential  members  of 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  101 

the  society  in  which  she  moves.  More  especially  is  this  the 
case,  when  natural  refinement  of  thought  and  feeling  have 
fitted  he'r  for  the  enjoyment  of  more  elevated  and  intellectual 
pleasures  than  those  which  are  ordinarily  furnished  in  the 
world  of  fashion.  Even  Louise,  and  the  frivolous  set  with 
which  she  had  entire  sympathy,  felt  the  honor  which  Mr. 
Dudley's  attentions  were  capable  of  conferring,  and  diligently 
strove  to  attain  them ;  for  his  social  standing  was  as  confirmed 
as  his  abilities  were  acknowledged.  How  much  more  highly, 
then,  might  Mabel  be  expected  to  appreciate  the  man,  who 
satisfied  at  once  the  demands  of  the  most  select  circles,  and 
inspired  that  mvoluntary  respect  which  youth  is  ever  ready  to 
offer  at  the  shrine  of  genius. 

Dudley's  genius,  indeed,  was  of  a  most  universal  character. 
Educated  mostly  abroad,  passing  rapidly  from  one  school  of 
knowledge  to  another,  viewing  European  society  in  all  its 
phases,  and  profiting  by  opportunities  which  are  open  to  but 
few,  he  had  become  cosmopolitan  in  his  habits,  artistic  in  his 
tastes,  completely  versed  in  the  knowledge  of  society,  and 
everywhere  fitted  to  shine.  Those  who  knew  him  best  de- 
clared him  qualified  for  success  in  whatever  profession  he 
might  adopt;  but,  although  now  nearly  thirty  years  of  age,  his 
choice  was  yet  undetermined. 

Thus,  at  the  time  of  his  introduction  to  Mabel,  he  was  still  a 
gentleman  of  leisure,  enjoying  a  moderate  income,  which  was 
sufficient  for  the  wants  of  one  who,  though  fastidious  and  lux- 
urious in  his  mode  of  life,  was  not  disposed  to  reckless  extrav- 
agance, and  whose  weight  and  influence  in  society  were,  strange 
to  say,  wholly  independent  of  wealth. 

We  shall  soon  see  the  effect  which  this  uncommon  influence 
had  power  to  produce  upon  the  young  and  enthusiastic  Mabel. 

Her  acquaintance  with  him  ripened  rapidly.  His  intimacy 
with  Harry,  and  the  certainty  of  a  cordial  reception  at  Mr. 
Vaughan's  house,  would  alone  have  favored  this.  But,  al- 
though he  frequently  made  one  of  their  family  circle  at  dinner, 
and  was  received  at  all  hours  with  the  familiarity  of  a  privi- 
leged guest,  these  were  not  the  only  occasions  which  afforded 

9* 


102  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

him  the  opportunity  of  exciting  Mabel's  interest,  and  winning 
her  confidence.  She  met  him  everywhere  in  society  ;  and  his 
singular  powers  of  fascination  were  never  more  successfully 
exercised  than  when,  amid  the  distractions  of  a  crowded  assem- 
bly, he  would  now  and  then  seek  her  side,  and,  for  a  longer  or 
shorter  time,  as  the  case  might  be,  enchain  her  thoughts,  en- 
kindle her  imagination,  or  excite  her  merriment,  by  drawing 
upon  his  seemingly  inexhaustible  stores  of  information,  poetry, 
wit,  and  satire.  He  never  danced  ;  and  from  the  period  of 
Mabel's  introduction  to  him  her  love  of  this  amusement  became 
less  engrossing.  Not  that  he  sought  to  win  her  from  gayer 
pleasures  by  the  charm  of  his  conversation,  or  strove  to  monop- 
olize any  considerable  portion  of  her  time.  On  the  contrary, 
he  had  too  much  delicacy  and  tact  to  make  his  attentions  con- 
ppicuous ;  and  his  preference  and  admiration  were  only  to  be 
inferred  from  the  eagerness  and  self-gratulation  with  which 
he  availed  himself  of  those  accidental  opportunities  which 
chance  or  good  fortune  might  throw  in  his  way. 

But,  while  Mabel's  general  popularity  continued  undiminish- 
ed,  and  she  was  still  the  ornament  and  life  of  the  ball-room, 
her  face  was  never  animated  by  a  more  brilliant  glow  than 
when,  owing  to  a  pause  in  the  music,  or  a  casual  movement 
among  the  company,  she  found  herself  released  from  her  recent 
partner  in  the  dance,  and  brought  within  the  magic  influence 
which  Dudley's  musical  voice  and  eloquent  eye  had  power  to 
exercise  upon  her  imaginative  spirit. 

All  the  other  events  of  the  evening  might  well  serve  to 
minister  to  her  vanity  and  self-love,  but  these  little  episodes 
had  a  deeper  significance,  and  produced  a  more  subtle  and 
lasting  effect  upon  her  heart  and  life. 

A  new  ambition,  as  well  as  a  new  sentiment,  had  been  sud- 
denly awakened ;  and  the  young  girl,  who  a  month  before  could 
scarcely  credit  the  triumph  which  had  placed  her  beyond  the 
rivalry  of  fashionable  competitors,  now  felt  a  deeper  thrill  of 
gratified  pride  as  she  became  conscious  of  those  more  ennobling 
gifts,  which  caused  her  to  be  appreciated  by  a  man  of  rare 
cultivation  and  fastidious  taste. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  103 

A  fresh  impulse  was  thus  given  to  mental  powers  which  had 
hitherto  lain  dormant;  and  although  the  routine  of  her  daily 
lif<;  underwent  little  change,  a  close  observer  might  detect  many 
an  indication  of  the  new  direction  which  had  been  given  to  her 
motives  and  aims,  and  the  unwonted  interest  which  was  im- 
parted to  every  scene  in  which  Dudley  played  a  part. 

And  while  the  charm  which  his  presence  exercised  in  the 
gayer  circles  effectually  vanquished  the  hesitation  with  which 
she  resumed  her  round  of  fashionable  engagements,  the  ascend- 
ency of  his  empire  over  her  thoughts  was  no  less  perceptible 
in  her  moments  of  retirement  and  meditation.  The  topics  on 
which  he  had  awakened  her  interest  became  the  subject  of 
after  thought ;  the  books  from  which  he  had  quoted,  frequently 
lay  open  upon  her  dressing-table,  and  the  little  apartment  so 
choicely  furnished  by  Harry  was  frequently  resorted  to  for  the 
more  careful  study  of  those  works  of  art  which  possessed  the 
merit  of  having  been  selected  by  Dudley. 

Mr.  Vaughan,  who  had  been  over-anxious  on  account  of  his 
daughter's  health,  felt  too  deep  a  satisfaction  in  her  entire  resto- 
ration to  complain  of  his  deserted  fire-side,  and  patiently  betook 
himself  to  the  usual  resource  afforded  by  his  papers  and  charts. 
Harry,  at  first  gratified  by  his  friend's  evident  admiration  of 
his  sister,  began  at  length  to  weary  of  the  subordinate  part 
which  he  filled  in  relation  to  them  both,  and  occasionally,  in 
the  domestic  circle  as  well  as  the  public  assembly,  would  quietly 
absent  himself  from  their  society,  without  being  much  missed 
by  either  party.  Miss  Sabiah,  whose  prejudices  were  all  in 
Dudley's  favor,  forbore  to  utter  any  reproaches  at  the  thought- 
less and  unintentional  neglect  which  sometimes  fell  to  her  lot, 
and  fostered  her  niece's  growing  preference  by  the  unqualified 
praise  which  she  bestowed  upon  its  object. 

What  wonder,  then,  that  Mabel,  unquestioned,  unchecked, 
and  unwarned,  lent  herself  without  fear  or  doubt  to  the  emo- 
tion of  the  hour  ?  "What  wonder  if  he,  whom  all  the  world 
admired  as  the  scholar,  the  poet,  and  the  wit,  became  in  her 
eyes  the  noble,  the  generous,  the  true,  and  the  disinterested 
man  which  he  should  have  been, — but  which,  alas!  he  was  not? 


104  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

"With  all  his  varied  acquisitions,  —  his  knowledge,  taste, 
culture  and  refinement,  —  with  all  his  appreciation  of  the  beau- 
tiful, both  in  art  and  nature,  and  all  the  seeming  fairness  of  a 
reputation  which  knew  no  stain,  there  yet  lurked  within  the 
well-springs  of  his  being  a  secret  but  fatal  poison,  dwarfing  all 
his  higher  purposes,  and  blighting  all  his  nobler  hopes. 

Free  from  all  outward  forms  of  vice,  he  had,  nevertheless, 
no  true  love  of  virtue ;  bowing  at  the  shrine  of  female  loveli- 
ness, he  had  no  high  faith  in  woman  ;  and  scorning  the  world  in 
which  he  lived,  he  had  no  power  to  rise  above  it. 

Early  distrust  of  all  things  good  had  palsied  the  noblest 
gifts  of  nature ;  and  the  life  which  might  have  been  a  blessing 
to  mankind  had  thus  far  proved  a  failure. 

And  shall  Mabel's  trusting  heart  be  exposed  to  this  chilling 
influence?  Shall  the  young  mind  yearning  for  truth  and 
knowledge  share  the  sophistries  of  a  perverted  intellect  ?  Shall 
the  soul  open  to  great  and  lasting  impressions  find  all  its  gen- 
erous aspirations  quenched  in  the  cold  reasoning  of  a  false 
experience  ? 

Ambition,  self-love,  pride  of  heart,  a  deceived  imagination, 
and  a  host  of  worldly  allies,  will  urge  her  on  in  the  dangerous 
path  which  her  feet  seem  doomed  to  tread.  But  one  shall 
meet  them  by  the  way,  a  childlike  form,  clad  in  holy  faith, 
who  shall  oppose  them  with  the  gentle  might  of  an  humble 
heart,  a  pure  life,  and  a  whispered  prayer.  Unequal  seems 
the  contest,  but  it  is  God  who  giveth  the  victory. 


CHAPTER    X. 

A  thousand  pretty  ways  we'll  find 

To  mock  old  Winter's  starving  reign  ; 

"We  '11  dress  his  withered  cheeks  in  flowers, 

And  on  his  smooth  bald  head 

Fantastic  garlands  bind.  MRS.  BARKAULB. 

ABOUT  a  fortnight  after  the  period  of  Dudley's  return  to  the 
city,  the  patience  of  Miss  Vanghan  and  the  good  nature  of  the 
whole  family  were  put  to  a  somewhat  severe  test,  by  an  instance 
of  Mabel's  generous  but  inconsiderate  hospitality. 

Some  children,  at  the  same  hotel  where  Mrs.  Leroy  resided, 
were  seized  with  a  prevailing  epidemic,  and  Mabel,  hearing 
her  sister  complain  of  a  circumstance  which  threatened  the 
health  of  the  boys,  cordially  urged  their  coming  to  their  grand- 
father's, to  remain  until  the  danger  of  infection  should  have 
passed.  The  little  fellows  were  delighted  to  exchange  the 
restrictions  of  the  nursery  for  the  freedom  they  enjoyed  in  Mr. 
Vaughan's  spacious  house,  and  their  mother  was  only  too  eager 
to  take  advantage  of  a  proposal  which  freed  her  from  a  most 
unwelcome  responsibility.  They  came  at  once,  therefore, 
accompanied  by  Lydia  Hope,  who,  in  spite  of  her  abrupt  dis- 
missal, still  continued  in  Mrs.  Leroy's  service.  Louise's  tem- 
per being  always  subservient  to  her  selfish  convenience, 
Murray's  pleadings  had  scarcely  been  needed  to  induce  her  to 
retain  in  her  employment  a  girl  of  such  unquestioned  capability 
as  Lydia ;  and  although  it  was  only  by  the  exercise  of  great 
self-control  that  the  latter  could  receive  her  mistress'  conces- 
sion in  a  becoming  spirit  of  gratitude  and  humility,  she  felt 
amply  repaid  for  the  effort,  in  the  opportunity  now  afforded  her 
of  spending  some  weeks  in  the  home  of  her  youthful  bene- 
factress. 


106  MABKL    VAUGHAN. 

This  invasion  of  the  domestic  peace  was,  at  first,  endured 
with  a  very  good  grace  by  the  whole  household ;  but  Murray's 
riotous  behavior,  and  Alick's  dogged  obstinacy,  soon  gave  rise 
to  difficulty  and  disturbance.  Mr.  Vaughan  escaped  the  annoy- 
ance by  shutting  himself  up  in  his  library,  and  Harry,  after 
amusing  himself  awhile  by  sharing  the  boys'  noisy  sports, 
exciting  their  spirits,  and  often  involving  them  in  quarrelsome 
disputes,  would  hurry  out  of  the  house,  leaving  others  to  reap 
the  fruits  of  the  mischief  which  he  had  sown.  Miss  Sabiah 
and  the  much  tornicLced  servants  were  the  chief  sufferers  from 
the  introduction  of  these  unruly  and  rebellious  inmates ;  for 
Mabel,  when  not  engrossed  with  other  objects,  seldom  failed  to 
find  pleasure  in  the  companionship  of  her  young  guests.  It 
was  true,  she  was  often  called  upon  to  quiet  the  disputes  and 
reconcile  the  disagreements  which  were  continually  arising, 
but  she  had  a  happy,  careless  way  of  settling  every  vexed 
question  to  the  satisfaction  of  all  parties ;  and  by  a  mingling  of 
kindness  and  authority  she  contrived  to  exercise  a  certain 
degree  of  government  over  her  little  nephews. 

This  restraining  influence  was  due,  in  part,  to  the  respect 
which  her  consistent  truthfulness  inspired  in  children  who  had 
hitherto  been  subjected  to  a  system  of  artifice  and  bribery,  and 
still  more  to  the  cordial  interest  with  which  she  occasionally 
entered  into  their  plans  and  participated  in  their  enjoyments ; 
for,  preoccupied  as  her  mind  might  be,  nothing  could  dispel 
her  earnest  love  of  childhood  and  her  sympathy  in  its  pleasures. 

Thus  a  long-talked-of  sleigh-ride,  to  which  the  boys  had  been 
looking  forward  from  the  commencement  of  the  winter,  was 
anticipated  with  scarcely  less  zest  by  Mabel ;  and  the  snow- 
storm, which  was  its  precursor,  was  hailed  by  her,  as  well  as 
by  the  children,  with  unfeigned  satisfaction. 

It  commenced  falling  at  dusk,  and  the  next  morning  the  en- 
tire city  was  decked  in  a  rich  garb  of  white,  untrodden  snow, 
which  certainly  presented  a  tempting  prospect  to  pleasure-seek- 
ers, of  all  ages.  Before  noon,  Broadway  and  the  principal 
avenues  were  thronged  with  sleighs  of  every  shape  and  hue, 
which,  with  their  joyous  occupants  and  eager,  prancing  horses, 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  107 

gave  to  the  scene  the  aspect  of  a  Carnival;  while  among  the 
many  rich  and  gorgeous  equipages,  none  was  to  be  seen  more 
graceful  i»  its  style,  or  more  complete  in  its  appointments 
than  that  which  contained  the  happy,  blooming  Mabel  and  her 
triumphant  and  excited  little  companions. 

They  glided  rapidly  up  and  down  the  principal  thorough- 
fares, threading  a  swift  course  among  the  crowd  of  huge, 
open  omnibuses,  gay  with  decorations  and  laden  with  passen- 
gers ;  fashionable  turn-outs,  with  liveried  servants,  and  rich 
draperies  of  fur  ;  miniature  boats,  drawn  by  fast  horses,  and 
driven  by  fast  young  men  ; — in  a  word,  vehicles  of  all  descrip- 
tions, and  every  grade  of  pretension,  thus  suddenly  introduced 
upon  the  scene  of  action,  and  rivalling  one  another  in  beauty, 
grotesqueness,  display,  or  speed. 

"  See  !  "  cried  Murray,  springing  to  his  feet  in  the  enthusi- 
asm of  his  joy,  "  there 's  mamma,  with  Miss  Vannecker,  in  Mr. 
Earle's  new  sleigh.  Drive  faster,  Donald  ! "  shouted  he  to  the 
coachman,  "  drive  faster,  and  see  if  we  can 't  beat  those  gray 
horses  ahead  !"  and  as  they  dashed  gaily  past  Mrs.  Leroy's 
party,  and,  one  after  another,  distanced  all  competitors,  Mabel 
was  obliged  to  grasp  the  arm  of  the  excited  child,  lest  in  the 
exuberance  of  his  spirits  he  should  lose  his  balance  and  be 
thrown  from  the  sleigh. 

"  Look,  aunt  Mabel,"  exclaimed  the  equally  observing,  but 
more  composed  Alick,  "  look  at  that  beautiful  little  white  sea- 
shell  that  seems  to  be  cutting  through  foam ;  the  wolf's  robe, 
the  horse,  and  even  the  harness,  as  white  as  the  snow  rtself. 
Oh,  that  is  the  handsomest  of  all !  Mr.  Dudley  is  driving,  and 
he  sees  us,  I  am  sure  he  does,  —  he  is  trying  to  catch  up ! " 

"  But  he  can  't  ?  "  cried  Murray,  whose  attention  was  attract- 
ed by  this  new  rival,  "  I  '11  bet  he  can 't  beat  our  bays,  won't 
you,  aunt  Mabel  ?  " 

"  He  will,  though,"  said  Alick,  who  was  carefully  measuring 
the  chances. 

Mabel's  heightened  color  and  kindling  eye  betokened  the 
interest  with  which  she  watched  the  race,  but  she  was  far 
from  sharing  Murray's  disappointment  when  the  snow-white 


108  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

steed  gradually  gained  upon  them ;  and  if  she  experienced 
any  mortification,  at  the  consciousness  of  approaching  defeat, 
there  certainly  was  no  evidence  of  it  in  the  brilliant  smiles 
with  which  she  welcomed  Dudley,  as  the  little  equipage  finally 
came  alongside. 

The  latter,  on  his  part,  seemed  indisposed  to  make  any  show 
of  success  ;  but,  satisfied  with  having  thus  achieved  a  parallel 
position,  continued,  in  spite  of  obstacles,  to  maintain  it  for  some 
minutes;  a  species  of  compromise  which,  flattering  and  agreea- 
ble as  it  might  be  to  Mabel,  was  far  otherwise  to  her  impetu- 
ous little  nephew,  who,  still  anxious  to  achieve  a  victory,  per- 
sisted in  exclaiming  to  the  coachman,  "  Hurry  up,  Donald  !  — 
whip  'em  up  !  " 

The  man,  however,  who  read  a  contradictory  order  in  the 
expression  of  his  mistress'  countenance,  as  she  responded  to 
Dudley's  congratulation  upon  the  pleasures  of  the  day,  forbore 
pressing  his  horses  to  the  top  of  their  speed,  —  a  fact  of  which 
Murray  soon  became  conscious.  "  See  here,  Al !  "  exclaimed 
he,  after  an  interval  which  he  had  occupied  in  clumsily  mould- 
ing a  snow-ball,  for  which  a  huge  drift  furnished  the  material, 
"I'll  make 'em  go!"  Then,  watching  an  opportunity  when 
Mabel  was  most  deeply  engrossed  with  some  object  to  which 
Dudley  had  directed  her  attention,  he  raised  himself  upon  the 
front  seat,  and  flung  his  missile  at  the  head  of  one  of  the 
horses.  His  aim  proved  as  accurate  as  its  effect  was  instanta- 
neous. The  spirited  and  startled  animal  gave  one  'wild 
lea}),  then  dashed  suddenly  forward ;  and  the  panic  being  thus 
communicated  to  its  mate,  the  pair  were,  in  an  instant  more, 
rushing  madly  down  the  wide  avenue,  clearing  for  themselves 
a  passage  through  the  quickly-parting  throng  of  vehicles,  but 
utterly  beyond  the  control  or  guidance  of  the  coachman. 

Meanwhile,  in  another  part  of  the  city,  and  under  circum- 
stances of  a  wholly  different  character,  a  pair  of  watchful, 
thoughtful  eyes  were  busily  engaged  in  scanning  the  various 
individuals  and  scenes  which  came  within  the  scope  of  the  ob- 
server's vision.  It  was  a  limited  prospect,  of  no  very  inviting  na- 
ture ;  but,  such  as  it  was,  little  Rose  Hope  had  found  in  it  ma- 


MABEL    YAUGIIAN.  109 

tcriul  for  thought  and  study  during  many  a  long  year.  The 
dingy  shop,  which  constituted  her  mother's  principal  support, 
was  situated  in  a  narrow  street,  and  the  floor  of  the  sunken 
building  was  considerably  below  the  level  of  the  sidewalk. 
Thus,  the  cheerful  sun,  which  rose  behind  the  house,  and  set 
behind  that  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  street,  never  found  its 
way  into  the  close,  cellar-like  apartment  where  the  Widow 
Hope  sold  needles,  tape,  and  various  other  articles  of  trifling 
value,  including  candy  of  her  own  manufacture. 

There  were  two  windows  to  this  room,  both  fronting  the  street. 
One  contained  samples  of  the  widow's  scanty  stock  in  trade, 
arranged  and  re-arranged  many  times  a  year,  for  the  purpose 
of  producing  a  more  marked  effect  upon  her  patrons,  but  sel- 
dom diminished  by  an  active  custom,  or  increased  by  dint  of 
surplus  capital.  A  few  cards  of  buttons,  discolored  by  expos- 
ure, or  soiled  by  time  ;  a  few  clay  pipes,  in  an  earthen  mug, 
which  had  long  been  deficient  in  a  handle ;  with  here  and  there 
a  paper  of  pins,  a  skein  of  coarse  thread,  or  a  last  year's  alma- 
nac, sufficed  to  give  the  public  an  intimation  of  what  might  be 
found  within. 

Besides  these  articles  of  positive  significance,  there  were 
some  little  attempts  at  ornament,  which  should  not  be  omitted, 
as  they  constituted  the  more  marked  tokens  of  Mrs.  Hope's 
establishment.  These  were  two  clumsy  wooden  figures,  —  the 
one  representing  a  parrot,  gorgeous  in  green  and  yellow  paint, 
which,  in  aristocratic  and  proud  disdain  of  its  unworthy  sur- 
roundings, seemed  to  challenge  the  passer-by  to  remove  it  to  a 
more  congenial  sphere ;  the  other,  a  laughing,  portly,  old  sailor, 
who,  with  his  hands  on  his  sides,  and  his  feet  in  the  position 
for  commencing  a  hornpipe,  appeared  resolved  to  be  jolly,  in 
spite  of  circumstances. 

But  the  parrot  had  maintained  its  dignity,  and  the  sailor  his 
light-heartedness,  for  years,  without  this  commendable  perse- 
verance having  won  a  purchaser  for  either. 

These  decorations  were  hung  out  as  symbols  for  the  public 
generally ;  but  for  the  immediate  neighborhood,  the  opposite 
and  ungarnished  window  had  a  deeper  and  far  more  impressive 

10 


110  MABEL    VAUGFIAN. 

moaning ;  for  here  might  invariably  be  seen  the  little  arm- 
chair of  the  invalid  child,  whose  emaciated  face  was  as  famil- 
iar as  the  day,  to  every  individual  who  frequented  the  narrow 
street. 

Few  wrere  so  indifferent,  so  thoughtless,  or  so  hurried,  as  to 
pass  the  widow's  shop  without  bestowing  a  kindly  glance  upon 
one  who  was  the  object  of  universal  love  and  compassion. 
Little  children,  on  their  way  to  school,  paused  a  moment  to 
look  smilingly  up  at  the  well-known  window,  assured  of  an 
answering  smile  in  return  ;  old  women  pressed  their  faces 
against  the  glass  and  spoke  a  word  of  inquiry  or  kindness ; 
and  hard-faced  men  assumed  a  softened  air  while  they  ex- 
changed some  friendly  signal  with  Rosy.  Or  if,  as  was  some- 
times the  case,  the  arm-chair  was  vacant  for  a  day,  many  an  eye 
missed  the  little  invalid  from  her  accustomed  place,  and  peer- 
ing anxiously  into  the  room  beyond,  wondered  how  it  fared 
with  the  child. 

Thus,  a  good  understanding  had  come  to  subsist  between 
Rose  and  the  humble  neighborhood  in  which  she  lived ;  and, 
who  shall  measure  the  priceless  value  of  that  chain  of  tender, 
though  often  unspoken  friendships,  which  the  force  of  human 
sympathy  had  wrought  from  out  the  hard  material  of  busy  life  ? 

More  numerous  than  usual  were  the  tokens  of  pleasure  and 
congratulation  which  greeted  her  on  the  morning  after  the 
snow-storm.  For  some  days  past  she  had  been  absent  from 
the  window,  confined  to  her  bed  in  the  little  room  behind  the 
shop ;  but  this  bright  morning  found  her  better,  and  her  re-ap- 
pearance was  observed  and  hailed  with  general  satisfaction. 

The  men  who  were  removing  the  snow  from  the  sidewalks, 
paused  now  and  then,  and  leaning  on  their  shovels  looked  up, 
as  if  to  bespeak  her  approbation  of  their  work ;  the  women 
who  came  out  with  their  pitchers  to  meet  the  noisy  milk-boy, 
nodded  a  kindly  good-morning,  as  they  caught  sight  of  her 
welcome  countenance ;  and  the  milk-boy  himself,  despite  his 
somewhat  surly  countenance,  forbore  the  customary  harsh  cry 
as  he  paused  at  the  shop  door,  and  patiently  awaited  the  widow's 
coming,  whistling  in  the  meantime  a  popular  air,  and  glancing 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  Ill 

good-naturedly  up  at  Rosy,  as  he  thrashed  his  arms  to  and  fro 
to  keep  himself  warm. 

These  and  many  other  familiar  greetings  were  responded  to 
by  Rose,  with  her  usual  touching  smile ;  but  now  and  then 
some  simple  incident  served  to  call  up  a  deeper  glow  of  ani- 
mation or  pleasure.  Such  was  the  appearance  of  a  little  deaf 
and  dumb  child,  who  was  in  the  habit  of  daily  presenting  him- 
self at  her  window,  tapping  on  the  glass  to  attract  attention, 
then  making  various  gesticulations  of  delight  when  Rose  feigned 
a  sudden  surprise  at  seeing  him,  and  whose  happiness  on  this 
morning,  reached  its  climax  upon  his  being  summoned  within 
to  receive  a  bit  of  crisp,  brown  candy,  which  she  had  begged 
for  him  from  her  mother.  The  Mttle  fellow  was  one  of  Rose's 
most  devoted  friends ;  and,  among  those  with  whom  she  had 
never  exchanged  a  word,  he  had  but  one  rival  to  her  partiality. 
This  was  a  tall  and  rosy-faced  youth,  the  driver  of  a  heavy 
team,  which,  punctual  to  a  moment,  might  be  regularly  seen 
emerging  from  beneath  an  opposite  arch-way. 

On  the  present  occasion  the  passage  was  so  much  impeded 
by  snow  as  to  create  some  doubt  in  Rosy's  mind,  whether  the 
young  teamster  might  not  be  deterred  from  venturing  forth  to 
his  daily  duties.  But  no ;  just  as  the  clock  struck  eight,  the 
spirited  leader  appeared  in  sight,  flinging  the  snow  like  powder 
from  his  hoofs,  and  tossing  his  wavy  mane  as  if  in  defiance  of 
obstacles.  The  sun,  which  never  shone  on  Rosy's  side  ot  the 
street,  was  reflected  in  glittering  rays  from  the  brazen  knobs 
that  ornamented  the  head-piece  and  bridle  of  the  noble  animal 
and  which,  thickly  set  and  polished  to  the  last  degree,  dangled 
and  glistened  like  a  dandy's  watch-chain.  Not  a  whit  less 
proud  were  the  step  and  bearing  of  the  shaft-horse,  a  fit  com- 
panion and  a  perfect  match  to  the  tall  and  well-shaped  leader ; 
and  both,  in  truth,  formed  a  striking  contrast  to  the  broken- 
down  and  half-starved  hacks  which  performed  most  of  the 
draught  labor  of  the  city.  Rose  had  watched  and  hailed  their 
approach  for  so  many  successive  days  and  months,  that  she  nad 
come  to  feel  a  sort  of  ownership  in  the  handsome  pair ;  a  senti- 
ment which  acted,  perhaps,  as  a  bond  of  sympathy  between  her 


112  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

and  their  smart  young  driver,  who  took  no  small  pride  in  their 
fine  forms,  glossy  coats,  and  perfect  training.  There  was  some- 
thing healthy  and  cheery  about  the  whole  establishment,  and 
especially  in  the  ruddy  face  of  the  teamster,  who,  standing  up- 
right and  firm,  issued  punctually  from  beneath  the  archway,  a 
fit  type  of  honest  labor  coming  forth  to  its  daily  toil. 

The  horses  always  made  their  exit  with  a  slow  and  stately 
pace,  but  the  moment  they  gained  the  street  the  lad  would 
crack  his  long  cart-whip,  with  a  sound  which  made  the  neigh- 
borhood ring,  but  which  was  a  token  of  his  coming  intended  for 
Rosy's  ear,  if  one  might  judge  by  his  cheerful  smile  and  wave 
of  the  hand  in  the  direction  of  her  window,  while  the  horses, 
which  seldom  suffered  from  the  application  of  the  lash,  pricked 
up  their  ears  as  if  at  the  sound  of  music,  and  broke  into  a  brisk 
and  voluntary  trot. 

To  Rosy,  who  had  no  opportunity  of  seeing  the  costly  equi- 
pages which  were  thronging  the  great  avenues  of  the  city,  and 
the  courteous  salutations  which  were  being  exchanged  in  the 
world  of  fashion,  there  was  nothing  more  imposing  than  the 
bearing  of  these  working  steeds,  nothing  more  truly  kind  and 
courtly  than  the  demeanor  of  her  assured  friend,  the  healthy 
and  robust  teamster. 

The  passage  of  this  and  many  similar  vehicles,  however,  of 
clumsy  construction,  and  moving  on  wheels  in  defiance  of  the 
snow,  soon  had  the  effect  of  marring  the  purity  and  roughening 
the  surface  of  the  streets  in  this,  the  business  quarter  of  the  city, 
and  the  view  became  gradually  less  fair  to  the  eye  than  even  on 
ordinary  occasions.  The  day  was  wearing  towards  noon,  and 
Rosy's  eyes,  dazzled  by  the  snow  and  weary  from  past  sleep- 
lessness, were  closed  in  momentary  slumber,  when  she  was 
startled  by  a  rushing  noise,  accompanied  by  the  sound  of  bells 
in  rapid  motion,  and  a  sudden  cry  of  alarm.  In  a  moment 
more  a  pair  of  unmanageable  horses  might  be  seen  rushing 
furiously  down  the  street,  dragging  after  them  a  light  but  richly 
ornamented  sleigh,  gay  with  showy  trappings  and  the  rich 
dresses  of  its  occupants.  It  was  in  vain  that  the  skilful  coach- 
man endeavored  to  guide  the  frightened  animals,  which  bound- 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  113 

cd  forward  in  uncontrolled  terror,  threatening  the  destruction 
of  the  whole  party.  As  they  approached  the  widow's  shop 
their  driver  made  a  final  effort  to  check  their  progress,  by 
turning  them  suddenly  under  the  opposite  arch-way,  but  the 
attempt  was  ineffectual ;  they  bounded  aside,  bringing  one  of 
the  runners  of  the  sleigh  upon  a  heap  of  bricks  which  lay,  just 
beyond  the  sidewalk,  deceitfully  covered  with  snow,  and  the 
vehicle  was  at  once  overturned.  Fortunately,  however,  for  its 
inmates,  they  were  all,  with  the  exception  of  the  coachman,  who 
still  clung  tc  his  reins,  thrown  upon  a  soft  snow-bank  in  front 
of  the  shop  door,  and  thus  escaped  wholly  uninjured. 

A  young  lady,  who  was  no  other  than  Mabel,  was  upon  her 
feet  in  an  instant,  and,  without  pausing  to  shake  the  snow  from 
her  garments,  she  hastened  to  the  assistance  of  Murray,  vho, 
half  buried  in  snow,  was  screaming  lustily,  but  making  no  effort 
to  rise.  Alick,  however,  who  had,  from  the  first  moment  of 
alarm,  shown  a  manly  degree  of  courage  and  composure,  had 
already  dashed  the  snow  from  his  own  clothes  and  bounded  off 
to  recover  Mabel's  muff,  which  was  tossed  to  some  little  dis- 
tance, and  the  ostrich  feather,  which  had  escaped  from  Murray's 
hat,  and  was  borne  by  a  gust  of  wind  rapidly  down  the  street. 

"  Why,  what  a  splendid  fall  we  have  had,  and  how  beauti- 
fully we  came  down  in  the  snow,  didn't  we,  Murray?"  ex- 
Maimed  Mabel,  speaking  in  a  gay  tone  for  the  encouragement 
of  her  little  nephew,  and  at  the  same  time  lifting  him  from  his 
soft  resting-place  to  the  side-walk ;  then,  as  he  still  continued 
to  cry  so  loudly  as  to  attract  the  attention  of  a  crowd  of 
people  who  were  rapidly  collecting  around  the  scene  of  the 
accident,  she  hastily  lifted  the  latch  of  the  widow  Hope's  door, 
hesitating  whether  or  not  to  seek  shelter  within.  At  the  same 
moment  she  caught  sight  of  Rosy,  looking  eagerly  from  the 
window  and  beckoning,  as  if  inviting  them  to  enter.  This 
hospitable  indication  decided  her ;  and,  leading  Murray  by 
the  hand,  and  calling  to  Alick  to  follow,  she  stepped  quickly 
into  the  shop,  —  too  quickly,  indeed,  for,  in  her  haste,  she 
failed  to  perceive  the  little  step  downward  from  the  side-walk, 
and  would  have  fallen  but  for  the  support  afforded  by  the 
10* 


114  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

door-latch,  while  Murray,  startled  by  the  loud  ringing  of  the 
shop  bell,  and  stumbling  at  the  unexpected  descent,  was  thrown 
head-foremost  upon  the  floor.  This  inauspicious  entrance 
alarmed  the  widow  Hope,  whose  slow  movements  now  brought 
her  upon  the  scene,  where  her  offers  of  assistance  proved  very 
acceptable.  The  little  party  indeed,  in  spite  of  their  recent 
deliverance  from  danger,  were  in  a  somewhat  deplorable  con- 
dition. Murray  was,  in  reality,  slightly  bruised  by  his  second 
fall,  and,  although  he  could  scarcely  cry  any  louder  than  he  had 
done  before,  he  made  as  much  tumult  as  possible,  and  required 
all  Mabel's  attention.  It  was  almost  unconsciously,  therefore, 
that  the  latter  was  relieved  of  her  cloak,  now  dripping  with  the 
fast  melting  snow,  and  it  was  not  until  the  child  was  somewhat 
quitted  that  she  even  thought  of  attempting  to  remove  her 
delicate  gloves,  which,  thoroughly  soaked,  were  clinging  obsti- 
nately to  her  half-frozen  fingers.  Her  bonnet,  also,  was  so 
crushed  as  to  be  almost  shapeless,  Murray  had  lost  a  shoe, 
and  Alick,  although  he  made  no  complaint,  had  grazed  his  knee 
against  the  pavement,  which  he  had  struck  in  falling. 

These  causes  of  discomfiture,  trifling  as  they  were,  created 
no  little  excitement  in  the  contracted  limits  which  the  shop 
afforded ;  and  for  some  minutes  a  general  confusion  prevailed, 
of  which  Rose  was  a  silent  spectator,  her  infirmities  disabling 
her  from  being  of  any  service.  A  chair  was  at  length  prcP 
cured  from  the  back  room  for  Mabel,  who,  disencumbered  of 
bonnet  and  cloak,  soon  made  herself  quite  at  home,  with  Mur- 
ray sitting  on  her  knee,  and  now  gradually  becoming  soothed 
and  quiet.  Alick  declined  a  low  seat  which  was  offered  him, 
and,  stationing  himself  directly  opposite  Rose,  stood  gazing  at 
her  with  unmistakable  wonder  and  curiosity. 

Mabel's  only  anxiety  now  was  for  the  safety  of  the  coach- 
man, who  soon,  however,  appeared  at  the  door  unharmed,  but 
presenting  a  rueful  countenance,  as  he  informed  her  that  his 
master's  sleigh  lay  an  utter  wreck  upon  the  sidewalk. 

"  No  matter,  Donald/'  answered  Mabel  promptly,  "  since  we 
are  all  safe." 


MABEL    VAUGITAN.  115 

"  But  what  shall  be  clone,  Miss  Mabel?"  inquired  the  man; 
"  how  will  you  get  home  ?  " 

"  What  has  become  of  the  horses?"  asked  Mabel,  with  diffi- 

» 

enlty  restraining  a  smile  at  the  man's  utterly  disconcerted 
countenance. 

"  They  are  just  at  the  end  of  the  street,  Miss,  at  a  poor  kind 
of  a  livery,  but  there  isn't  a  sleigh  to  be  had  hereabouts — none, 
sartain,  that  would  be  fit  for  you  and  the  young  gentlemen. 
I  'm  afeard  Mr.  Harry  will  be  a  good  deal  disappinted,  Miss, 
when  he  sees  what  a  smash-up  we  've  had  down  yonder." 

"  O,  never  mind  that,"  said  Mabel,  good-naturedly ;  "  you 
did  the  best  you  could,  Donald.  Mr.  Harry  will  be  only  too 
glad  to  see  us  home  in  safety. "  And  having  learned  that  the 
horses  were  uninjured,  and  quite  sobered  from  their  recent 
fright,  she  suggested  that  Donald  should  lead  them  back  to 
their  stable,  inform  the  family  of  what  had  occurred,  and  return 
with  the  carriage  for  herself  and  the  boys. 

The  man  hesitated,  —  expressed  a  fear  that  it  would  take  a 
long  time  to  accomplish  this,  especially  as  wheels  would  not 
run  well  on  the  snow ;  and  at  the  same  time,  looked  around 
the  dark  shop,  as  if  he  considered  it  a  very  unworthy  place  of 
refuge  for  his  young  mistress;  but  Mabel,  understanding  the 
look,  declared  herself  quite  content  to  remain  in  her  present 
quarters  during  whatever  time  might  be  required ;  "  That  is," 
continued  she,  turning  with  true  courtesy  to  Mrs.  Hope,  "  if 
our  good  friend  will  give  us  permission  to  stay  so  long." 

The  pale,  rigid  features  of  the  widow  assumed  an  expres- 
sion that  might  be  pronounced  sincere,  if  not  positively  cor- 
dial, as,  in  answer  to  this  appeal,  she  expressed  in  a  few  words 
her  desire  to  accommodate,  and  make  them  as  comfortable  as 
possible  in  so  poor  a  place. 

Thus  assured,  Mabel  dismissed  the  man,  calling  to  him,  how- 
ever, just  as  he  was  leaving  the  shop,  and  adding,  "  Donald, 
tell  Lydia  that  I  should  like  to  have  her  come  in  the  carriage ; 
and  ask  her  to  bring  a  pair  of  shoes  for  Murray,  and  my  cloth 
cloak." 

"  Mother,"  exclaimed  Rose,  drawing  a  deep  breath  the,  mo- 


116  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

ment  the  door  was  closed,  and  speaking  as  if  giving  vent  to 
suppressed  feeling,  "  Mother,  it  is  her !  it 's  Miss  Mabel ! " 

Mabel  turned  and  looked  at  the  sick  child  in  utter  astonish- 
ment at  this  unexpected  recognition. 

"  Aunty,"  said  Alick,  approaching  Mabel's  side  and  speaking 
in  a  whisper,  "  I  should  n't  wonder  if  that  girl  was  Rose  — 
Lydia's  sister  Hose." 

"  What  makes  you  think  so  ?  "  asked  Mabel,  speaking  aloud 
and  glancing  at  Rose  as  she  spoke. 

"  I  know  it  is,"  answered  Alick,  confirming  the  remark  by  a 
confident  nodding  of  his  head  ;  "  she  's  just  so  little,  and  sick 
and  good,  and  sits  all  day  in  an  arm-chair  with  a  pillow  in  it." 

Mabel  rose  and  moved  her  seat  nearer  to  that  of  Rose,  at 
the  same  time  displacing  Murray  from  her  knee.  "Alick 
thinks,"  said  she,  laying  her  hand  on  the  arm  of  Rose's  chair, 
"  that  this  is  little  Rose  Hope ;  and  I  begin  to  think  so,  too," 
added  she,  observing  the  ray  of  pleasure  which  overspread 
Rosy's  face  at  her  words. 

The  fact  certainly  needed  no  other  confirmation  than  that 
expressed  in  the  little  invalid's  countenance,  as  she  discovered 
the  recognition  to  be  mutual.  "  Only  think,"  exclaimed  she  to 
her  mother,  who  wras  incredulously  surveying  her  visitors,  "  of 
my  seeing  Miss  Mabel !  What  will  Lyddy  say  ?  O,  Mother ! 
what  will  she  say  when  she  comes  in  the  carriage ! " 

Mabel,  amused  and  gratified  at  the  child's  enthusiasm,  has- 
tened to  express  her  own  sense  of  the  good  fortune  which  had 
brought  her  to  the  shop  of  Lydia's  mother,  and  won  that 
mother's  heart  by  the  friendly  interest  with  which  she  spoke  of 
her  daughter's  capability  and  faithfulness. 

Meantime  Alick,  contrary  to  his  usual  custom  with  strangers, 
entered  into  eager  conversation  with  Rose,  betraying,  in  a 
rapid  series  of  questions,  a  knowledge  of  the  sick  child's  tastes, 
habits,  and  character,  which,  together  with  his  unwonted  socia- 
bility, astonished  Mabel,  who  was  unaware  of  the  interest 
which  Lydia's  description  of  her  sister  had  awakened  in  the 
mind  of  the  thoughtful  boy. 

"  Is  that  your  slate  ?  "  asked  he,  glancing  at  one  which  Jay 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  117 

on  the  wide  window-sill,  and  whose  well-worn  frame  and  scanty 
bit  of  pencil  attested  the  frequency  of  its  use ;  "  and  is  this 
wlmt  has  been  sold  to-day  ?  "  he  added,  pointing  to  a  neat  list 
of  figures  in 'one  corner.  Then,  having  received  an  affirmative 
reply  to  both  inquiries,  he  continued,  "  That 's  your  big  Bible 
—  it 's  a  real  old  one,  is  'nt  it  ?  But  here 's  a  cunning  little 
book,"  and  he  eagerly  seized  her  "  Daily  Food,"  which  was 
seldom  absent  from  her  side,  and  opening  at  the  first  page 
commenced  reading,  but  seemed  disappointed  in  its  contents, 
as  he  quickly  threw  it  aside  and  looked  about  him  for  other 
objects  of  interest. 

"  Don't  trouble  the  little  girl,  Alick,"  interposed  Mabel,  who 
was  struck  with  Rose's  pallor  and  evident  feebleness;  "you 
must  remember  she  is  sick  and  will  not  like  to  be  tired  with 
questions." 

"  O,  no,  no !  he  will  not  tire  me,"  said  Rose,  disclaiming  such 
a  possibility  with  an  earnestness  which  seemed  to  beseech  Ma- 
bel not  to  repress  his  curiosity. 

Alick's  eye  now  fell  upon  a  rough  wooden  box,  upon  which 
he  pounced  with  an  eagerness  that  denoted  a  knowledge  of  its 
contents.  "These  are  the  jack-straws,  ar'n't  they?"  said  he, 
looking  inquiringly  in  Rose's  face,  as  he  vainly  tried  to  remove 
the  cover. 

Rose  assured  him  that  he  was  right,  and  taking  the  box  from 
his  hand,  she  slid  aside  its  ingenious  fastening,  and  emptied  the 
neat  little  articles  upon  the  window  sill  for  his  easier  inspection. 

Alick  had  jack-straws  of  his  own,  but  they  did  not  compare 
with  Rosy's  in  variety,  number,  or  neatness  of  finish.  "  Here  's 
the  bow ! "  exclaimed  he,  as  if  he  recognized  a  familiar  object, 
"  it 's  finished,  and  it's  a  beauty!  But  where  is  the  arrow? 
has  n't  Jack  made  the  arrow  yet  ?  " 

"  Ye?,  he  made  one  last  evening,"  answered  Rose  ;  "  but  it 
was  too  slender,  and  it  got  broken ;  I  guess  he  '11  make  another 
to-night." 

Murray's  attention  was  by  this  time  attracted.  He  had 
hitherto  stood  at  a  distance,  out  of  humor  and  disdainful,  but 
he  now  came  forward  a  few  steps,  and  leaning  on  Mabel's 


11  a  MABEL    VAUQHAN. 

knee,  stood  on  tiptoe  and  peered  over  Alick's  shoulder  at  the 
toys.  Rose  perceived  the  motion,  and,  gently  drawing  aside, 
made  room  for  him  between  herself  and  the  window.  Alick 
was  disposed  to  keep  him  at  a  distance  and  engross  the  enjoy- 
ment of  the  jack-straws,  but  yielded  at  once  to  Rose's  gentle 
remonstrance,  "  Let  Murray  see,  too,  Alick." 


CHAPTER    XI. 

No  mortal  doth  know 

What  he  can  bestow, 
What  light,  strength,  and  comfort  do  after  him  go  ; 

Lo !  onward  I  move, 

And,  but  Christ  above, 
None  gue.sses  how  wondrous  the  journey  will  prove. 

GAMBOLD. 

A  BRISK  conversation,  consisting  for  the  most  part  of  ques- 
tions and  answers,  was  now  maintained  between  the  three  chil- 
dren ;  Rose  every  now  and  then  stealing  a  glance  at  Mabel, 
who  was  observing  the  little  trio  with  evident  interest.  Mrs. 
Hope  had  returned  to  some  employment  in  the  kitchen,  which 
had  been  interrupted  by  the  arrival  of  her  visitors,  and  Mabel 
sat  quietly  watching  the  progress  of  this  singular  intercourse 
between  the  children,  responding  to  Rose's  occasional  glances 
by  a  smile  of  approval  and  encouragement.  She  would  gladly 
have  taken  part  in  the  conversation  and  expressed  in  some 
way  her  sympathy  with  Rosy's  misfortunes,  but  she  found  her- 
self disconcerted  at  the  first  attempt,  being  utterly  at  a  loss 
how  to  treat  a  child  whose  serious  gravity  inspired  a  respect 
scarcely  warranted  by  her  years,  and  the  patient  contentment 
of  whose  countenance  forbade  the  pity  which  her  infirmities 
would  otherwise  have  awakened.  So  she  left  it  to  the  boys  to 
draw  out  the  singular  characteristics  of  their  novel  acquaint- 
ance, an  office  for  which  they  proved  themselves  amply  com- 
petent. 

Rose  explained  to  them  the  use  of  various  articles  of  which 
the  jack-straws  furnished  models,  interesting  the  boys  by  the 
clearness  of  her  descriptions,  and  astonishing  Mabel  by  the 
intelligence  they  displayed.  Things  which  could  never,  by 


120  MABEL   VAUGHAN. 

any  possibility,  have  come  within  the  sick  child's  observation  — 
gardening  utensils,  carpenters  and  joiners'  tools,  and  even  com- 
plicated pieces  of  machinery,  were  explained  and  their  pur- 
poses illustrated,  with  a  force  and  accuracy  which  fascinated 
the  attention  of  Alick,  and  even  imparted  information  to  Mabel, 
while  Murray  stood  leaning  on  Rose's  knee  in  a  listening  atti- 
tude, his  eyes  fixed  reverently  on  the  face  of  their  youthful 
entertainer,  who  sat  winding  his  long  glossy  curls  around  her 
thin  and  wasted  fingers. 

It  was  certainly  an  incongruous  group  thus  assembled  in  the 
widow's  shop.  The  sons  of  wealth,  in  gay  attire  and  radiant 
with  health  and  vitality,  drinking  in  knowledge  at  the  feet  of 
one  who,  reared  in  poverty,  wasted  by  disease,  and  isolated 
from  the  world,  formed  a  no  less  striking  contrast  to  her  youth- 
ful listeners,  from  the  superiority  of  her  mental  powers. 

Perhaps  Mabel  felt  conscious  of  the  mortifying  deficiencies 
in  her  sister's  children,  for  she  asked  herself,  for  the  first  time, 
how  it  happened  that  the  boys  had  never  been  sent  to  school, 
and  had  been  suffered  to  remain  in  such  deplorable  ignorance. 

That  they  were  not  destitute  of  intellect,  however,  was  evi- 
dent from  the  interest  which  they  both  manifested  in  Rosy's 
engaging  conversation;  and  the  subjects  to  which  the  jackstraws 
had  given  rise,  might  have  engrossed  the  whole  period  of  their 
stay,  had  not  their  attention  been  at  length  attracted  by  another 
object. 

A  sudden  movement  caused  Alick  to  hit  his  head  against  a 
sharp  corner,  and  looking  up  he  espied  Rosy's  engraving, 
which,  removed  from  the  little  bed-room,  hung  against  the 
window  frame.  He  immediately  claimed  acquaintance  with 
it.  "  Your  picture  ! "  cried  he,  "  the  picture  of  little  pilgrim 
and  the  angels !  Let  me  see  it  —  do !  Lydia  has  told  me 
about  that ; "  and  he  stretched  forth  his  hand  to  snatch  it  from 
the  nail  where  it  hung.  It  was  beyond  his  reach,  however, 
and  Mabel,  after  asking  Rose's  consent,  assisted  him  in  taking 
it  down,  and  placing  it  in  an  upright  position  on  the  window 
sill. 

As  she  did  so  she  observed  the  chaste  richness  of  its  oval 


MABEt   VAUGHAN.  121 

frame  ;  and  when  she  resumed  her  seat,  and  for  the  first  time 
saw  the  picture  in  a  good  light,  she  was  struck  with  the  exqui- 
site finish  of  the  engraving,  and  the  simple  beauty  of  the  subject. 

"Where  did  you  get  it?"  asked  Alick,  who,  like  Mabel, 
perceived  at 'once  how  inconsistent  it  seemed  to  be  with  its 
surroundings. 

"  It  was  brought  to  the  hospital  while  I  was  there  trying  to 
be  cured.  It  belonged  to  a  young  gentleman ;  and  a  lady,  who 
was  one  of  the  directresses,  brought  it  there  for  me  to  see. 
She  left  it  for  a  week  hanging  at  the  foot  of  my  bed,  and  then 
it  was  that  the  doctor  said  I  never  could  be  cured,  and  might 
as  well  come  home  again.  I  had  got  very  fond  of  the  picture, 
—  it  told  me  stories  and  kept  me  company,  and  so,  because  I 
loved  it,  and  because  I  never  could  be  cured,  the  gentleman. 
(I  think  it  was  the  lady's  son,)  sent  word  for  me  to  keep  it 
always. " 

"  Was  n't  he  good  ?  "  exclaimed  Alick,  with  feeling,  at  the 
same  time  looking  anxiously  into  the  face  of  Rose,  from  whose 
eyes,  as  she  recalled  the  past,  one  or  two  tears  had  escaped 
and  were  slowly  trickling  down  her  cheeks. 

"  What  tells  a  story  ? "  asked  Murray,  pulling  at  Rose's 
sleeve  —  "  Can  the  picture  speak  ?  " 

"  It  speaks  to  me,"  answered  Rose,  smiling  sweetly  through 
her  tears.  "  I  can't  tell  you  all  it  says,  but  some  of  the  stories 
are  very  plain  to  be  seen,  —  don't  you  think  so  ?  " 

"  I  do  n't,"  answered  Murray,  with  a  dissatisfied  air,  while 
Alick  carefully  examined  the  picture. 

"  Why,  you  see,"  said  Rose,  "  that  is  little  pilgrim  going  a 
journey,  and  those  three  angels  go  with  him."  Here  Rose 
paused,  and  looked  inquiringly  and  diffidently  into  the  face  of 
Mabel,  as  if  seeking  encouragement  to  continue  the  story. 
Mabel  answered  by  rising  so  as  to  obtain  a  better  view,  while 
she  herself  listened  attentively  to  Rose's  description  of  her 
picture. 

Rose  went  on.  "That  is  Hope,"  said  she,  pointing  to  a 
cherub  figure  peering  above  the  clouds,  with  its  hand  out- 
stretched, and  its  eye  fixed  upon  a  light  spot  in  the  distance, 
11 


122  MABEL   VAUGHAN. 

which  seemed  intended  to  represent  the  glow  of  a  brilliant 
sunset. 

"  And  what  does  he  say  ?  "  asked  Murray. 

"  Oh,  he  says,  *  keep  up  a  good  heart,  little  pilgrim.'  " 

"And  what  is  that  one's  name?"  inquired  Alick,  pointing 
to  another  on  the  right,  whose  head  was  thrown  back,  while 
both  eye  and  hand  were  turned  heavenward  in  an  attitude  of 
rapt  devotion. 

"  That  is  Faith,"  replied  Rose,  and  he  says, '  trust  in  God.' " 

u  But  that  is  the  prettiest,"  said  Murray  eagerly,  placing  his 
finger  on  the  central  figure,  whose  eyes  were  downward  bent, 
and  whose  hand  was  pointing  earthward,  while  the  counte- 
nance was  illumined  .with  the  benignant  smile  of  a  pure  bene- 
volence. 

"  Yes,  that  is  the  prettiest,"  said  Rose,  "  and  the  best ;  that 
is  Charity,  or  Love,  for  it  goes  by  both  names." 

"  We  '11  call  it  Love,  then,"  said  Alick,  "  won't  we  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  said  Rose,  "  that  is  Love." 

"  And  what  does  Love  say  to  Pilgrim  ?  "  continued  Alick. 

"  Oh,  a  great  many  things,"  answered  Rose.  "  It  tells  him 
to  lend  a  helping  hand  to  everybody  he  meets  on  the  way,  and 
do  all  the  good  he  can,  and  be  patient,  and  gentle,  and  kind." 

"  And  is  he  ?     Does  he  do  it  ?  " 

"  Yes,  indeed." 

"  How  do  you  know  ?  " 

"  Can 't  you  see  ?  "  asked  Rose  —  "  it  is  all  told  in  the  pic- 
ture." 

The  boys  looked  intently  —  so  did  Mabel  —  but  neither 
detected  the  proofs  which  seemed  so  evident  to  Rosy.  Mabel 
kept  silent,  but  the  boys  confessed  their  ignorance. 

"  Don 't  you  see,"  said  Rose,  after  a  pause,  "  all  the  flowers 
that  have  sprung  up  behind  him  as  he  goes  ;  the  path  is  dark, 
and  overhung  with  brushwood,  so  that  he  cannot  see  a  step 
before  him  on  the  road ;  but  look  where  his  feet  have  worn 
that  little  track,  and  you  will  see  all  along  beside  it  the  flowers 
that  he  has  strewn  there.  Some  have  taken  root  and  grown 
up  tall ;  there  is  a  rose  that  has  nearly  climbed  to  the  top  ot 


MACE&    VAUOHAN.  12u 

that  high  tree.  How  sweet  it  will  smell  to  the  next  traveller 
that  comes  along  that  way  !  "  Those  are  his  virtues,"  added 
Rose,  after  another  pause,  during  which  her  listeners  stood 
carefully  scanning  the  objects  she  had  pointed  out ;  "  it  was 
Chanty  that  went  with  him  and  helped  him  strew  the  flowers, 
—  don't  you  see  he  has  a  basket  in  his  hand  ?  that  contains 
the  roots  and  seeds,  and  Charity  shows  him  the  best  places  to 
plant  them  in,  and  how  to  make  them  grow." 

"  He 's  got  a  cane,"  said  Murray  —  "  what  does  he  carry  a 
cane  for  ?  " 

Rose  looked  up  at  Mabel  and  smiled.  "  That  is  the  staff 
of  faith,"  said  she,  "  he  leans  on  it  when  he  is  tired." 

"  Where  is  he  going  ?  "  asked  Alick.   "  Is  it  a  long  journey." 

"Not  very  long;  some  people  find  it  very  short.  He  is 
going  to  that  city  in  the  distance ;  do  n't  you  see  it  with  the 
light  shining  on  its  walls  and  towers  ?  That  is  the  Eternal 
City,  Alick  —  the  city  of  our  God,"  added  she,  solemnly,  lay- 
ing her  thin  hand  on  Alick's  arm ;  "  we  are  all  travelling  on 
the  same  road  as  pilgrim,  —  and  we  must  try  to  strew  flowers 
behind  us  as  we  go." 

Children  are  always  much  impressed  with  anything  in  the 
nature  of  an  allegory.  They  wholly  understand  the  actual 
story,  while  they  often  catch  a  dim  conception  of  its  hidden 
meaning.  Murray  was  only  capable  of  comprehending  the 
former,  but  Alick  caught  an  idea,  faint  indeed,  but  still  impres- 
sive in  its  character,  of  the  lesson  which  Rose's  story  had  par- 
tially revealed  to  his  untaught  soul ;  and  Mabel,  who,  in  spite 
of  good  principles  and  high  aspirations,  was  a  child  in  religious 
experience,  felt  awed  by  the  simple  teachings  of  virtue,  and 
subdued  by  the  sublime  power  of  truth.  Thus  Rose  herself 
had  unconsciously  planted  seed  by  the  wayside ;  and  who  shall 
tell  when  and  how  such  seed  may  spring  up  into  everlasting 
life? 

There  was  a  silence  in  the  little  company  for  a  short  time 
after  Rose  had  finished;  then  Murray  yawned,  as  children 
will  yawn  when  they  have  been  agreeably  entertained  and 
find  the  entertainment  suddenly  withdrawn.  "  How  soon  are 


124  MABEL    VAUGHAN* 

we    going    home?"    asked    he   of    Mabel,    "I'm    hungry." 

"  Hush  !"  said  Mabel  softly,  unwilling  to  make  further  claim 
upon  the  widow's  hospitality  by  the  expression  of  any  new 
wants ;  we  shall  go  soon ;  it  is  time  for  Donald  to  be  here 
now ; "  then  bethinking  herself  of  the  best  mode  of  repaying 
those  attentions  which  she  had  already  received,  she  proposed 
to  make  some  purchases  from  the  widow's  stock.  It  was  diffi- 
cult to  make  a  selection  of  articles  in  any  degree  appropriate 
to  her  station  in  life,  Mrs.  Hope's  goods  being  intended  for  the 
accommodation  of  her  own  humble  neighborhood.  With  the 
children's  assistance,  however,  she  contrived  to  expend,  in 
trifling  purchases,  all  the  money  she  had  in  her  purse;  and 
Murray  had  just  received  into  his  arms  the  gorgeous,  but 
long-neglected  parrot,  when  the  shop  door  was  suddenly  thrown 
open,  and  Lydia  entered  with  a  flushed  and  excited  counte- 
nance. 

She  was  laden  with  shawls  and  wrappers,  which,  in  addition 
to  the  articles  sent  for  by  Mabel,  had  been  despatched  by  her 
anxious  aunt,  and  was  so  breathless  with  haste  and  astonish- 
ment that  Mabel  strove  in  vain  to  obtain  from  her  an  intelli- 
gent reply  to  her  inquiries,  what  had  become  of  the  coachman 
and  horses,  and  why  she  herself  had  come  thither  on  foot. 

The  half-laughing,  half-crying  girl,  overjoyed  at  the  safety 
of  Mabel  and  the.  children,  and  excited  to  the  last  degree  by 
the  circumstance  of  their  having  taken  refuge  in  her  mother's 
shop,  could  only  embrace  Rose  and  the  boys  by  turns,  uttering, 
meanwhile,  interjectional  phrases,  expressive  of  her  own  and 
Miss  Saliiali's  fears,  and  the  prompt  action  of  Mr.  Dudley, 
whose  name  was  strangely  mingled  with  her  exclamations. 

Finding  it  impossible  to  calm  her,  Mabel  hastily  opened  the 
shop  door,  to  satisfy  herself  whether  or  not  the  carriage  was 
in  sight,  and  as  she  did  so,  encountered  Dudley  at  the  very 
threshold.  She  blushed  with  pleased  surprise,  not  having  in 
the  least  understood  Lydia's  broken  communication,  and  the 
color  deepened  in  her  cheeks  when  he  seized  her  hand  with  an 
eagerness  that  betrayed  his  anxiety  on  her  account, —  an  anxiety 
which  evidently  had  not  been  wholly  quieted  by  Donald's  assur- 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  125 

ance  of  her  safety.  His  fears  were  wholly  allayed,  however, 
at  the  sight  of  her  smiles,  and  she  now  learned  that  the  carriage 
awaited  them  at  some  little  distance,  Mr.  Dudley  having  judged 
it  imprudent  to  venture  on  wheels  into  the  narrow,  crowded 
street,  encumbered  as  it  was  with  snow. 

He  also  informed  her,  in  few  words,  that  he  had  pursued  her 
sleigh  as  long  as  he  could  keep  the  frantic  horses  in  sight,  and 
then,  not  being  able  to  recover  their  track,  had,  after  a  fruitless 
search,  hastened  to  Mr.  Vaughan's  house,  hoping  that,  though 
the  frightened  animals  were  beyond  the  coachman's  control, 
instinct  would  guide  them  thither.  He  arrived  there  but  a 
few  moments  in  advance  of  Donald,  and  having  learned  from 
him  the  welcome  tidings  of  her  safety,  resolved  still  further  to 
assure  himself  of  it  by  accompanying  him  on  his  return  to  the 
spot  where  she  had  found  shelter. 

"  What  a  wretched  place  you  have  been  obliged  to  wait  in ! " 
exclaimed  he,  looking  down  into  the  low,  dark  shop,  and  seem- 
ing to  shrink  from  its  close  atmosphere. 

"  We  have  been  hospitably,  and  even  agreeably,  entertained 
here,"  answered  Mabel ;  "  the  boys  and  I  have  made,  the 
acquaintance  of  a  sick  child,  who  proves  io  be  the  sister  of 
their  nurse ;  she  is  an  interesting  little  creature,  —  do  come  in 
and  see  her,  Mr.  Dudley." 

"  The  room  seems  to  be  pretty  well  stocked  already,  in  pro- 
portion to  its  dimensions,"  answered  Dudley,  smiling,  "  espe- 
cially as  you  pronounce  it  to  be  a  sick-room ;  •  and  in  view  of  the 
latter  fact,  Miss  Mabel,  I  feel  bound  in  conscience  to  hurry 
you  away  from  this  miserable  place.  I  have  made  myself 
responsible  to  Miss  Vaughan  for  your  safe  return,  and  a  heated, 
distempered  air  may  sometimes  prove  as  fatal  as  a  pair  of 
runaway  horses." 

Mabel  made  haste  to  repel  this  suggestion,  assuring  Dudley 
that  the  child's  illness  was  chronic,  and  not  of  a  contagious 
character,  and  that  the  room,  though  naturally  close,  from  its 
low,  damp  situation,  was  otherwise  comfortable,  and  in  all 
respects  neat. 

He   smiled   complacently  at   the  warmth  with  which   she 


126  MABEL    VArGHAN. 

defended  her  place  of  refuge  from  unjust  aspersions,  and,  as  if 
to  satisfy  her  that  lie  had  no  fears  on  his  own  account,  stepped 
within  the  door,  and  still  holding  it  ajar,  awaited  her  pleasure. 

As  there  was  no  motive  for  further  delay,  the  little  party 
were  not  long  in  making  ready  to  depart ;  especially  as  Mabel 
had  previously  resumed  her  cloak  and  bonnet,  now  restored  by 
Mrs.  Hope's  care  to  their  original  appearance,  and  Lydia  had 
recovered  her  composure  and  partially  equipped  the  boys  for 
their  return  home.  Mabel  was  much  touched  at  the  deep  feel- 
ing evinced  by  Rose,  as  she  spoke  her  simple  farewell,  express- 
ing in  a  few  words  how  happy  the  visit  had  made  her,  and 
pressing  Mabel's  hand  to  her  lips  with  mingled  respect  and 
fervor.  "  I  will  come  again,  Rose,"  said  Mabel,  in  a  low  voice. 

She  would  gladly  have  said  more,  being  anxious  to  testify 
in  some  way  the  tender  sympathy  she  felt  for  the  little  invalid. 
But  Dudley  stood  looking  on ;  he  would  mentally  accuse  her 
of  affectation  or  parade;  so  she  contented  herself  with  the 
promise  to  repeat  her  visit,  and  with  a  lightly  spoken  good- 
by,  took  her  friend's  offered  arm  to  accompany  him  to  the 
carriage,  leaving  the  boys  to  follow  with  Lydia. 

"  The  fresh  air  is  really  delightful,"  exclaimed  she,  as  the 
clear,  wintry  breeze,  tempered  by  the  warmth  of  a  noon-day 
sun,  fanned  her  cheek,  which  was  slightly  feverish  with  the 
excitement  of  the  morning. 

"If  I  maybe  allowed  to  advise,  —  and  you  will  pardon  what- 
ever there  may  be  of  selfishness  in  the  suggestion,"  said  her 
companion,  —  "I  should  declare  a  walk  home  preferable  to  a 
drive,  under  existing  circumstances." 

The  sight  of  the  carriage,  which  they  had  now  reached, 
served  to  enforce  Dudley's  opinion.  The  wheels  were  so 
clogged  with  snow  that  it  was  evident  they  could  move  but 
slowly,  and  in  a  lumbering  manner,  through  the  streets,  and  as 
Alick  also  expressed  a  preference  for  walking,  it  was  decided 
that  Murray  and  Lydia  should  proceed  in  the  carriage,  and 
the  others  continue  up  Broadway  on  foot. 

Although  the  hour  passed  in  the  widow's  humble  dwelling 
had  been  replete  with  interest,  the  sudden  change  from  the 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  127 

confined  atmosphere  and  narrow  limits  of  the  shop  to  the  brac- 
ing air,  active  exercise,  and  brilliant  spectacle  afforded  by  the 
crowded  street,  had  a  corresponding  effect  upon  the  spirits  of 
Alick  and  Mabel.  The  former,  whose  movements  were  usually 
slow  and  languid,  trod  with  a  light  step,  as  if  rejoicing  in  an 
unwonted  share  of  liberty,  which  he  was,  in  truth,  experiencing, 
since  it  was  rarely  that  he  went  out  on  foot,  except  for  a  short 
and  monotonous  walk  with  Lydia.  Availing  himself  of  the 
license  afforded  on  the  present  occasion,  he  would  now  and 
then  pause  to  survey  at  his  leisure  whatever  object  attracted 
his  attention,  and  then  bounding  forward,  overtake  his  some- 
what careless  protectors,  who,  engrossed  with  each  other,  left 
him  at  liberty  to  do  as  he  pleased ;  a  freedom  of  which,  how- 
ever, he  took  no  undue  advantage.  Mabel,  meanwhile,  flat- 
tered by  Dudley's  marked  interest  in  her  safety,  and  rejoicing 
in  the  exuberance  of  youthful  spirits,  excited  the  increased 
admiration  of  her  companion  by  the  variety  of  her  conversa- 
tion and  her  natural  and  eager  enjoyment  of  the  gay,  wintry 
scene.  It  was,  in  truth,  the  simple  and  unperverted  freshness 
of  this  child  of  nature  which  had  captivated  the  experienced 
man  of  the  world.  The  inborn  dignity,  grace,  and  animated 
sweetness  of  manner,  which  had  fitted  her  to  take  at  once  a 
distinguished  place  in  society,  might  have  existed  independently 
of  that  child-like  enthusiasm  which  was,  perhaps,  the  most 
interesting  feature  of  her  character;  but  this  latter  trait  had  at 
once  been  discerned  by  Dudley,  and,  cautious  as  he  was  of 
yielding  to  impressions,  its  charm  had  completely  fascinated 
him.  So  true  it  is,  that  a  mutual  attraction  often  exists  between 
contrasts. 

The  prevailing  character  of  the  incidents  in  which  their  walk 
invited  them  to  participate,  was  that  of  mirth  and  laughter ; 
but  an  opportunity  soon  occurred  for  the  further  and  more 
complete  development  of  Mabel's  ready  and  universal  sympa- 
thies. At  just  that  point  in  Broadway  where  the  crowd  was 
most  dense,  and  their  movements  the  most  hurried,  our  party 
suddenly  encountered  a  little  boy,  ragged,  dirty,  and  bending 
beneath  the  weight  of  an  old  basket  filled  with  half-burnt  coals. 


128  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

The  little  urchin  was  directly  in  the  path  of  the  throng  of  foot 
passengers,  who  were  hurrying  up  and  down  the  side-walk,  and 
in  endeavoring  to  avoid  a  collision,  he  stumbled  and  fell  upon 
one  knee,  striking  his  burden  heavily  upon  the  pavement. 
The  time-worn  and  shattered  basket  had  hardly  held  together 
before,  and  now,  as  he  lifted  it  to  resume  his  progress,  it  gave 
way  entirely,  and  its  whole  contents  were  scattered  in  the  deep 
snow  which  bordered  the  side-walk.  Some  of  the  passers-by 
laughed,  some  looked  compassionately  over  their  shoulders, 
and  one  or  two  paused  for  an  instant,  out  of  curiosity,  to  see 
whether  the  boy  would  attempt  to  repair  the  misfortune. 

"  Oh !  poor  little  fellow ; "  exclaimed  Mabel,  who  reached 
the  spot  at  the  moment  of  the  accident,  and  whose  compassion 
was  at  once  excited  by  the  expression  of  blank  dismay  which 
overspread  his  childish  face  at  the  sight  of  his  lost  and  wasted 
property. 

The  boy,  hearing  a  kindly  voice,  and  seeing  the  shadow  of 
some  person  who  evinced  a  pitying  interest  by  coming  to  a  full 
stop,  looked  up  from  the  wreck  on  which  his  gaze  had  been 
hitherto  fixed,  and  met  the  glance  of  Mabel's  eye  with  such  a 
look  of  appeal  as  went  straight  to  her  heart.  It  was  an  inno- 
cent countenance,  and  a  sad  one,  and  told  a  story  of  want  and 
disappointment  somewhere. 

"  It 's  a  pity ! "  said  Mabel,  glancing  from  the  face  of  the  boy 
to  the  spilt  coal  and  useless  basket ;  and,  as  the  mournful  eyes, 
now  fast  filling  with  tears,  still  spoke  a  touching  entreaty,  a 
moisture  gathered  in  her  own,  and  her  hand,  as  usual,  sought 
her  pocket. 

Alick,  who  had  been  lingering  behind,  now  came  up,  and, 
with  childhood's  quick  instinct,  reading  the  whole  story,  ex- 
claimed eagerly  and  confidently,  "  Oh,  Aunt  Mabel,  do  give 
him  some  money  !  " 

But  alas,  the  purse  was  empty ;  the  money  had  all  been 
spent  at  the  widow's  shop !  The  consciousness  of  this  did  not 
flash  upon  Mabel,  until  she  had  drawn  the  little  silver  reticule 
from  her  pocket  and  exposed  her  destitution;  then  blushing 
with  mortification  and  disappointrn  mt  at  having  encouraged  the 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  129 

child's  hopes,  to  dash  them  the  next  instant,  she  turned  to  Dud- 
ley, supposing  that  the  act  had  awakened  his  observation,  and 
would  induce  him  to  supply  her  deficiencies  by  a  prompt  con- 
tribution on  his  part.  But  the  case  seemed  not  to  have  touched 
his  sympathies,  at  least  not  in  such  a  way  as  to  conduce  to  the 
boy's  benefit.  He  stood  at  the  distance  of  a  step  or  two, 
quietly  surveying  the  scene  with  an  interested  and  amused  air, 
and,  although  manifesting  no  impatience,  seemed  to  be  viewing 
Mabel's  proceedings  as  those  of  a  capricious  child  indulging  a 
wayward  impulse. 

Mabel  could  not  be  sure  whether  he  perceived  her  embar- 
rassment ;  but  it  being  very  evident  that  he  felt  no  disposition 
to  charity,  she  was  reluctantly  compelled  to  restore  her  purse 
to  her  pocket,  and  leave  the  child  to  bear  his  misfortune  as  he 
best  might,  with  no  other  encouragement  than  that  conveyed 
in  a  kind  word.  "  My  money  is  all  gone,"  said  she ;  "  I  am 
sorry, — perhaps  some  other  lady  will  give  you  a  sixpence." 

She  spoke  confusedly,  and  with  evident  regret,  which  in- 
creased to  actual  pain  as  the  little  fellow  replied,  with  sad  sim- 
plicity, "It's  very  hard  to  find  a  lady  that'll  give  me  a  sixpence." 

Grieved  as  she  felt  for  the  little  fellow,  there  was  nothing 
more  to  be  said  or  done,  and  the  next  moment  she  was  continu- 
ing her  walk,  exchanging  salutations  with  gay  friends,  and 
listening  to  Dudley's  conversation. 

Alick  staid  behind  a  moment,  to  scan  the  boy's  face  with  his 
ever-curious  eyes,  and  solace  his  disappointment,  if  possible,  by 
saying,  "  She  has  spent  all  her  money, — I  have  not  got  any 
either — it's  too  bad." 

"  Your  compassion  is  awake  I  see,  Miss  Vaughan,  like 
every  other  amiable  emotion,"  said  Dudley,  as  they  proceeded 
up  the  street.  "  You  are  new  to  scenes  like  that  yonder,  but 
you  will  soon,  I  fear,  become  accustomed  to  them,  if  you  go  out 
frequently  in  New  York,  especially  on  foot." 

"  Oil,  I  have  seen  a  great  many  miserable  objects  already," 
said  Mabel;  "enough  to  make  my  heart  ache;  but  that  little  fel- 
low interested  me  particularly,  he  had  such  a  plaintive  look ; " 


13U  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

and  Mabel  sighed,  as  her  thoughts  again  recurred  to  the  un- 
spoken appeal  which  had  moved  her  so  forcibly. 

"  That  boy  had  rather  a  beautiful  countenance,"  said  Dudley ; 
"  he  reminded  me  of  a  most  exquisite  group  I  saw  in  Florence 
last  winter,  Picciotti's  Beggars.  I  wish  you  could  see  that 
piece  of  statuary,  Miss  Vaughan — I  am  sure  you  would  appre- 
ciate it ;  it  is  his  masterpiece  —  a  wonderful  work  of  art !  I 
was  struck  immediately  with  that  boy's  resemblance  to  the 
younger  of  the  two  beggars." 

"  He  was  not  a  beggar ! "  exclaimed  Alick,  who  had  joined 
them  unobserved,  and  caught  Dudley's  last  word  only.  "  He 
did  n't  ask  for  anything !  " 

"  There  are  various  kinds  of  begging,"  responded  Dudley, 
replying  to  Alick's  remark,  though  not  looking  at  him,  or  ap- 
pearing to  observe  from  what  quarter  the  suggestion  had  pro- 
ceeded, for  he  seldom  took  much  notice  of  children.  "  That  is 
the  most  specious,  certainly,  which  addresses  itself  to  the  eye 
and  not  the  ear.  That  stroke  was  capitally  executed,  how- 
ever," added  he,  laughing  good  humoredly;  "it  would  have 
done  credit  to  one  of  the  junior  members  of  the  Ravel  troupe. 
It  is  astonishing  how  quickly  those  little  practitioners  become 
adepts  in  their  art." 

"Why,  you  surely  do  not  think — "  exclaimed  Mabel,  in 
surprise  — 

"  That  that  was  an  accident  done  on  purpose  ?"  said  Dudley, 
in  continuation  of  her  query,  and  smiling  at  her  genuine  aston- 
ishment; "perhaps  so  —  perhaps  not;"  and  he  shrugged  his 
shoulders  expressively.  "At  all  events,"  continued  he,  as  if 
hesitating  to  pronounce  decisively  in  the  present  instance,  "  we 
will  not  be  severe  upon  him,  since  your  judgment  is  evidently 
in  his  favor,  Miss  Vaughan ;  but  these  artifices  to  excite  sym- 
pathy are  no  doubt  very  common.  Modern  institutions  are 
partially  responsible  for  it ;  they  cry  out  against  street  begging, 
and  street  cunning  rises  up  in  its  stead.  Ah,  they  manage 
these  things  much  better  abroad !  a  few  bajocchi  will  disperse  an 
Italian  rabble,  and  there  is  the  end  of  it ;  but  here,  society  is 
to  be  reorganized,  poverty  put  down,  and  I  don't  know  what 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  131 

not.  Very  well ;  I  am  willing  to  give  philanthropists  a  fair 
chance  for  my  part — but  if  they  will  put  restrictions  on  our 
benevolence,  the  poor  must  take  the  consequences,  I  suppose, 
if  they  starve." 

And  having  thus  involved  what  had  previously  seemed 
a  simple  appeal  To  charity,  into  a  complicated  case  of  po- 
litical economy,  Dudley  gracefully  and  easily  waived  any 
further  consideration  of  the  difficult  question,  by  resuming 
his  analysis  of  the  merits  of  Picciotti's  Beggars,  and  leading 
Mabel's  thoughts  into  the  wide  field  of  beauty  and  of  art. 
Here  he  was  completely  at  home ;  and,  with  his  wonderful 
gift  at  description,  and  his  unrivalled  and  varied  powers  of  en- 
tertainment, he  completely  enchained  her  attention  for  the 
remainder  of  the  walk. 

That  evening,  however,  as  she  stood  in  front  of  a  brilliant 
fire  which  was  burning  in  the  dining  room,  and  heard  the  cold 
wind  whistle  round  the  corner  of  the  house,  she  thought  again 
of  the  little  boy  and  the  spilt  coals.  lie  might  be  an  impostor, 
the  very  prince  of  rogues,  but,  despite  her  reason,  instinct  and 
good  heart  whispered  otherwise,  and,  do  what  she  would  to 
restrain  them,  painful  visions  rose  before  her  of  dreary  garrets, 
where  half-starved  children  and  despairing  mothers  crouched 
beneath  scanty  coverings,  and  cried  and  shivered  with  the  cold. 

Mabel's  experience  and  knowledge  would  not  warrant  her  in 
deciding  the  comparative  claims  of  beggars  and  philanthropists ; 
but  one  thing  at  least  was  certain,  misused  as  her  bounty  might 
have  been  by  the  boy,  it's  bestowal  would  have  left  a  blessing 
with  the  giver.  As  it  was,  she  could  only  sigh  for  the  poverty 
which  was  beyond  her  reach,  and  soothe  her  regret  with  the 
newly  awakened  idea,  that  a  too  liberal  distribution  of  money 
was  dangerous,  and  might  defeat  the  best  interests  of  society. 
Not  that  she  could  persuade  herself  that  it  would  have  done 
harm  in  the  present  case,  for  she  felt  an  honest  conviction  of 
the  truthfulness  of  her  first  impressions.  Who  shall  say,  how- 
ever, that  her  heart  warmed  as  readily  towards  the  next  child 
of  misfortune  that  came  in  her  path  ?  or,  that  the  spirit  of  dis- 
trust once  awakened  in  her  hitherto  unsuspecting  bosom  could 


132  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

be  easily  laid  to  rest  ?  Rosy  was  right  in  saying,  that  we  need 
in  life's  pathway  an  angel  guide,  to  teach  us  where  to  plant  the 
flowers  of  charity.  Alas  for  earth's  youthful  pilgrims,  when  a 
cold  and  worldly  calculation  banishes  the  gentle  spirit  of  human 
love  and  sympathy  !  More  fatal  still,  when  the  sister  spirits  of 
faith  and  hope  give  place  to  gloomy  doubts  and  discouraging 
suspicions. 


CHAPTER     XII. 

Who  scoffs  these  sympathies, 
Makes  mock  of  the  divinity  within ; 
Nor  feels  he  gently  through  his  breathing  soul 

The  universal  spirit.  K.  H.  DANA. 

AMONG  the  engagements  of  the  following  week,  there  was 
one  of  a  somewhat  different  character  from  the  gay  assemblies 
which  constituted  the  chief  social  enjoyment  of  M*abel's  circle. 
This  was  a  party  given  on  occasion  of  some  family  anniversary, 
by  a  lady  of  high  position,  whose  wealth,  accomplishments,  and 
superior  cultivation,  gave  her  an  undisputed  preeminence  in  the 
eyes  both  of  people  of  consequence  and  of  those  who  considered 
themselves  such. 

Even  Mr.  Vaughan  was  induced  to  accept  an  invitation  to  a 
house  where  he  would  be  sure  to  meet  many  guests  of  his  own 
age,  and  no  small  number  of  persons  distinguished  in  the  lite- 
rary and  political  world.  Louise  was  not  willing  to  lose  the 
honor  of  being  present  at  an  entertainment  where  the  company 
would  undeniably  be  the  most  select  the  city  afforded.  Harry, 
while  he  voted  these  old  Knickerbocker  affairs  pretty  slow  con- 
cerns, declared  it  an  object  to  see  things  done  up  in  good  shape 
once  in  a  while ;  and  Mabel,  for  all  these  reasons  combined, 
and,  perhaps,  also  from  the  knowledge  that  the  hostess  was  a 
near  connection  of  Dudley's,  looked  forward  to  the  evening 
with  unusual  interest. 

Miss  Sabiah  was  seldom  included  in  the  numerous  invitations 
received  by  her  brother's  family,  not  from  any  intentional 
slight,  but  because  she  had  systematically  avoided  becoming 
generally  known  as  an  inmate  of  the  household,  and  had  nerv- 
ously shrunk  from  being  found  in  the  drawing-room  on  recep- 
tion daygi  She  would  never  have  dreamed,  however,  of  ming 


134  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

ling  in  society ;  and  was  satisfied,  for  her  part,  with  the  simple 
enjoyment  derived  from  the  sight  of  her  favorite  Mabel,  richly 
attired,  and  appearing  on  each  new  occasion  more  beautiful  in 
the  eyes  of  her  aunt.  Therefore,  on  the  evening  in  question, 
she  experienced  no  small  satisfaction  from  the  survey  of  a 
superb  dress,  worn  for  the  first  time  by  Mabel,  and  her  elation 
reached  its  height  as  she  observed  the  ill-concealed  envy  which 
it  awakened  in  Louise,  who  entered  the  dressing-room  just  as 
her  sister's  toilette  was  completed.  It  was  no  wonder  that  the 
partisan  spirit  of  the  aunt  was  gratified,  for  Mabel  certainly 
outshone  herself. 

She  wore  a  white  flounced  silk,  each  flounce  being  bordered 
with  a  pattern  of  delicately  wrought  green  leaves  and  half- 
blown  roses,  and  the  graceful  garland  of  flowers  on  her  hair 
was  in  perfect  harmony  with  the  Parisian  fabric.  The  waist 
fitted  closely  to  the  throat,  where  a  collar  of  point  lace  was 
fastened  with  a  brilliant  spray  of  diamonds ;  and  sleeves  of  the 
same  delicate  material  as  the  collar,  lightly  draped  her  well- 
rounded  arms. 

Louise,  whose  little,  fairy-like  form  never  looked  so  well  as 
in  the  light  and  gossamer  fabrics  in  which  she  floated  or 
whirled  through  the  dance,  felt  a  sharp  pang  of  jealousy,  as 
she  noted  the  almost  regal  figure  of  her  sister,  set  off  to  advan- 
tage by  the  closely-fitting  and  heavy  material  which  would 
have  severely  tested  a  less  exquisite  shape  than  Mabel's. 

"  I  hate  to  go  to  these  half-and-half  parties,"  said  she,  in  a 
sharp  and  irritable  tone,  as  she  drew  out  the  folds  of  her  vel- 
vet dress  to  give  it  a  more  graceful  flow,  and  straitening  her 
figure  at  the  mirror,  tried  to  believe  herself  just  the  right 
height,  and  Mabel  a  little  too  tall.  "  One  has  to  dress  up  as 
if  afraid  of  the  rheumatism,  and  no  wonder,  for  if  ever  people 
do  take  cold,  it  is  from  standing  round  in  corners,  as  we  shall 
do  to-night.  It  will  be  shockingly  stupid.  I  Ve  half  a  mind 
not  to  go ; "  and  although  she  could  not  resolve  to  stay  away 
from  an  entertainment  which  anybody  else  thought  worth  at- 
tending, Louise  contrived  by  her  ill-humor  to  make  herself 
and  every  one  about  her  so  uncomfortable,  that  her  friends 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  135 

were  glad  at  last  to  arrive  at  their  destination,  and  to  see  her 
established  in  one  of  the  corners  she  had  spoken  of,  where, 
with  Victoria  Vannecker,  and  a  little  knot  of  companions,  she 
amused  herself  with  making  comments  upon  the  company. 

The  assembly  was  not  large,  and  there  was  no  music,  but, 
as  Harry  had  foreseen,  everything  was  conducted  in  good  taste, 
and  spacious  and  superb  as  were  the  house  and  furniture, 
nothing  gave  evidence  of.  extraneous  ornament,  or  an  attempt 
at  display. 

Some  of  the  company  had  evidently  been  their  hostess* 
guests  at  dinner,  and  coffee  was  passed  round  promiscously  at 
quite  a  late  hour. 

This  circumstance,  and  the  fact  that  the  size  and  number  of 
the  rooms  thrown  open  afforded  opportunity  for  the  disper- 
sion of  the  visitors  into  little  knots,  gave  the  whole  assem- 
blage the  air  of  a  somewhat  overgrown  tea-party.  A  few 
elderly  gentlemen,  grouped  together  on  the  hearth-rug  and 
occasionally  sipping  their  coffee,  were  holding  a  political  dis- 
cussion ;  and  a  similar  association  of  literary  friends  were 
laughing  heartily  at  a  series  of  amusing  anecdotes  related  by 
one  of  their  number.  A  travelled  lady  and  a  boyish  artist 
were  examining  a  book  of  etchings  together ;  and  a  group  of 
youths  and  girls,  scarcely  beyond  childhood,  had  taken  posses- 
sion of  the  music  room,  and  while  one  played  the  piano,  the 
rest  were  having  a  merry  dance. 

These,  and  various  other  social  scenes,  were  indicative  of 
the  different  ages,  tastes,  and  characters,  which  were  blended 
in  the  company;  and  although  nonsense,  scandal  and  ill-natured 
criticism,  were  not  without  their  representatives,  they  instinc- 
tively felt  themselves  out  of  their  sphere,  and  kept  in  the  back- 
ground ;  while  the  assembly,  as  a  whole,  was  eminently  distin- 
guished for  harmony,  elegance,  good  breeding,  and  refinement. 

Mabel  felt,  from  the  first  moment  of  her  entrance,  the  total 
dissimilarity  between  this  and  most  of  the  fashionable  parties 
which  she  frequented ;  but,  unlike  Louise,  at  onee  recognized 
its  superiority.  Nor,  although  the  youthful  circle  which  claimed 
her  as  its  ornament  could  assemble  here  but  a  small  number 


136  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

of  its  members,  did  she  find  herself  by  any  means  destitute  o. 
acquaintances. 

Dudley's  partiality  had  not  only  awakened  her  ambition  fo; 
cultivated  society,  but  had,  to  some  degree,  gratified  this  pref- 
erence, and  already,  through  his  introduction,  had  she  been 
brought  into  occasional  intercourse  with  persons  of  distinction, 
taste,  and  learning. 

Politicians,  artists,  noted  travellers,  titled  foreigners,  and 
literary  lions  in  every  department,  were  included  in  Lincoln 
Dudley's  extensive  circle  of  friends  ;  and  more  than  one  indi- 
vidual of  some  distinction  among  the  present  company,  now 
seized  the  opportunity  to  revive  and  strengthen  his  knowl- 
edge of  the  beautiful  girl,  whose  naturalness  of  manner,  fresh- 
ness of  feeling,  and  exuberance  of  thought  and  fancy,  had 
increased  the  admiration  inspired  by  her  personal  charms. 

But,  although  this  species  of  homage  was  an  undoubted 
triumph,  there  was  no  evidence  of  gratified  pride  in  the  de- 
meanor of  Mabel,  whose  sparkling  eye  and  intelligent  smile 
denoted  an  eager  interest  and  an  animated  pleasure  in  the 
conversation  of  a  select  group,  of  which  she  was  the  central 
attraction.  Conscious,  as  she  could  not  fail  to  be,  of  her  power 
of  pleasing,  she,  nevertheless,  employed  it  without  affectation 
or  artifice ;  and  in  whatever  estimation  her  success  might  be 
held,  no  one  could  fail  to  acknowledge  that  it  was  fairly  won. 

Unwilling  as  Dudley  was  to  yield  allegiance  to  any  single 
object,  and  often  as  he  absented  himself  from  her  neighbor- 
hood, to  pay  his  addresses  elsewhere,  an  irresistible  attraction 
drew  him  back,  and  a  short  interval  only  would  elapse,  before 
his  clear  tones  would  mingle  again  in  the  conversation  of  the 
little  group,  to  which  his  racy  and  eloquent,  or  occasionally 
abrupt  and  ironical,  contributions  invariably  imparted  addi- 
tional zest ;  nor  did  the  consciousness  of  his  vicinity  fail  to 
give  an  added  glow  to  Mabel's  features,  and  a  renewed  lustre 
to  her  eye. 

"  Do  you  see  that  magnificent  girl  yonder  ?  "  said  an  elderly 
painter  of  repute,  to  one  whom  he  knew  to  be  a  lover  of  his 
art.  "  I  will  paint  her  picture,  before  the  winter  is  over.  I 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  137 

promise  you  I  shall  accomplish  the  point,  and  obtain  a  sitting. 
How  superb  she  would  be  as  Corinne  crowned  in  the  temple ! " 

"  There  is  talent  there,"  exclaimed  a  first-rate  lawyer,  sig- 
nificantly glancing  at  Mabel,  with  whom  he  had  been  convers- 
ing. "  She  has  beat  me  in  an  argument,  just  now,  good- 
naturedly,  and  without  pedantry,  too,  and  before  I  knew  what 
she  was  at." 

"  I  would  not  trust  myself  against  her  before  a  jury,  inde- 
pendently of  argument,"  replied  the  gentleman  to  whom  the 
remark  was  addressed. 

"  Your  sister  is  a  young  lady  to  be  proud  of,"  said  a  some- 
what taciturn  old  bachelor,  who,  standing  near  Louise,  had 
been  silently  observing  Mabel.  "  I  see  she  is  amiable,  as  well 
as  agreeable,  and  dispenses  her  smiles  with  equal  favor  upon 
all." 

"  Rather  too  much  so,  I  should  think,"  said  Louise,  with  a 
short  laugh,  "judging  from  some  of  her  friends.  Pray,  who  is 
that  Father  Noah  whom  she  seems  to  find  so  interesting  ?  " 

"  That  thin  gentleman  in  the  long-bodied  coat  ?  I  forget  his 
name,  —  a  clergyman,  I  believe." 

Louise  now  turned  to  Miss  Vannecker,  and  exclaimed,  in  a 
low  and  half-confidential  tone  :  "  It  is  very  ridiculous  for  Mabel 
to  stand  there,  directly  in  the  centre  of  the  room,  and  talk  to 
everybody  that  chooses  to  be  introduced  to  her.  She  '11  make 
some  most  absurd  acquaintances ! " 

A  little  later  in  the  evening,  when  Mabel  was  listening,  in  a 
reverential  manner,  to  the  conversation  of  the  interesting  cler- 
gyman, Louise  and  Miss  Vannecker  paused  as  they  were 
crossing  the  room,  and  the  former  remarked  abruptly  to  her 
sister :  "  You  have  chosen  a  conspicuous  place  for  holding  your 
court,  this  evening,  my  dear ;  the  news-papers  to-morrow  will 
describe  the  assembly  room,  and  say  the  centre  ornament  was 
a  flower-piece  of  exquisite  form,  consisting  of  successive  tiers 
of  rose-wreaths,  surmounted  with  a  garland  ?  " 

"  Besides,"  added  Miss  Vannecker,  as  if  taking  it  for  granted 
that  Louise's  remark  was  designed  to  be  censorious,  "  it  is 


138  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

very  unbecoming  to  stand  directly  beneath  the  gas-light."  And 
having  thus  rebuked  her  vanity,  they  passed  on. 

Mabel  blushed  and  looked  somewhat  disconcerted,  but  inno- 
cent of  any  intention  at  display,  maintained  a  dignified  com- 
posure, and,  covering  her  vexation  with  a  smile,  confirmed  the 
good  opinion  already  formed  of  her  by  her  new  friend. 

Dudley  chanced  to  be  standing  near,  and  overheard  the 
rude  speeches  of  Louise  and  her  companion.  Always  courte- 
ous himself,  he  could  not  endure  rudeness  in  others,  especially 
when  its  motive  was  as  palpable  as  in  the  present  instance ; 
for  his  knowledge  of  Louise's  character,  at  once  suggested  to 
his  discerning  mind  the  jealousy  by  which  she  was  actuated. 

Anxious,  therefore,  to  free  Mabel  from  the  slight  embarrass- 
ment which  he  detected  in  spite  of  her  assumed  serenity,  he 
availed  himself  of  the  first  opportunity  to  invite  her  to  visit 
the  conservatory,  which  contained  a  choice  collection  of  plants. 
Mabel,  relieved  by  the  proposal,  the  thoughtful  delicacy  of 
which  she  fully  appreciated,  gladly  accepted  his  offered  arm 
for  the  purpose. 

Dudley  was  just  enough  of  a  botanist  and  florist  to  make  his 
observations  upon  flowers  attractive  and  charming ;  he  forbore 
the  use  of  scientific  terms,  called  them  all  by  their  simple  and 
expressive  names,  and,  without  sentimentality,  understood  and 
expatiated  on  the  poetic  and  touching  language  which  they 
were  capable  of  conveying. 

There  might  be  minds  to  which  these  gifts  of  nature  appealed 
with  deeper  significance,  but  few  who  could  more  gracefully 
express  the  gratification  afforded  by  them  to  a  refined  sense  of 
the  beautiful. 

While  admiring,  however,  his  knowledge  of  every  species  of 
plant,  including  the  rarest  exotics,  and  sympathizing  in  most 
of  his  preferences,  Mabel  was  astonished  at  his  indifference  to 
many  of-  her  favorites,  especially  among  the  common  wild 
flowers  of  our  fields  and  woods.  She  could  not  resist  paying 
the  tribute  of  affection  to  these  wayside  friends,  and  in  answer 
fo  his  inquiry — which  of  all  llie  summer  blossoms  she  preferred? 
she  answered  frankly,  "  If  \  on  ask  me  which  I  love  the  best, 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  139 

I  must  confess,  though  you  will  wonder  to  hear  me  say  so, — 
the  dandelion  —  the  friendly,  yellow  dandelion." 

Dudley  smiled  incredulously. 

"  I  truly  mean  so,"  said  Mabel,  earnestly ;  "  it  comes  so  early 
and  stays  so  long.  It  is  earth's  golden  star  of  promise,  speak- 
ing of  warmth,  and  sunshine,  and  summer.  It  has  such  sweet 
associations,  too.  Why,  did  you  never,"  exclaimed  she,  forget- 
ting for  the  moment  that  she  was  addressing  the  polished  man 
of  the  world,  —  "  did  you  never  sit  on  the  grass  and  make  long 
chains  of  the  hollow  stems,  and  sigh  to  think  how  frail  they 
were?" 

"  Never,"  replied  Dudley  with  decision. 

"  Nor  tear  them  to  shreds  with  idle  fingers,  and  float  them 
in  the  brook  to  watch  how  they  would  curl  ?  Nor  pluck  the 
downy  seed-vessels,  on  your  way  from  school,  and  blow  on 
them  three  times  to  see  if  your  mother  wanted  you  ?  " 

"  Never,"  replied  Dudley  again,  in  a  tone  which  intimated 
that  his  childish  reminiscences  included  no  such  follies. 

"  Then  you  cannot  imagine,"  said  Mabel,  her  enthusiasm  a 
little  damped  by  his  manner,  "  how  many  happy  hours  I  asso- 
ciate with  their  common,  familiar  faces." 

"  I  suppose  not ;  but  I  nevertheless  love  flowers  for  the  sake 
of  association,"  said  Dudley ;  and,  stooping  down,  he  picked 
up  a  sprig  of  mignonette,  which  she  had  held  in  her  hand  a 
moment  before  and  then  thrown  negligently  away. 

Mabel  blushed  as  she  observed  the  action,  and  if  at  the  same 
moment  she  did  not  feel  absolutely  ashamed  of  her  love  for 
dandelions,  she  was  ready  to  confess  it  a  childish  folly,  for 
which  she  had  no  right  to  expect  the  sympathy  of  grown 
people. 

In  the  criticism  of  works  of  art  Dudley  was  even  more 
skilled  than  in  the  analysis  of  the  floral  kingdom ;  and  he  next 
directed  Mabel's  attention  to  a  number  of  paintings  and  statues 
which  adorned  the  spacious  hall  adjoining  the  conservatory. 
Under  his  tutelage  Mabel  had  already  acquired  some  little 
skill  in  judging  of  an  artist's  merit,  and  almost  fancied  that  she 
could  distinguish  between  the  works  of  rival  schools.  She  was 


140  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

still  so  unsophisticated,  however,  as  always  to  bestow  her  first 
thoughts  on  the  subject,  rather  than  the  execution  of  a  piece  ; 
and  her  attention  was  at  once  attracted  by  an  ancient-looking 
picture,  representing  an  angel-messenger  bearing  to  Heaven 
the  tidings  of  a  sinner's  repentance.  The  seraphic  beauty  of 
the  countenance,  the  joy,  love,  and  holy  triumph  which  it  de- 
picted, inspired  in  Mabel  an  emotion  of  religious  awe.  She 
gazed  at  it  a  moment  in  silence,  then  turned  from  it  to  her 
companion,  with  a  look  which  bespoke  her  admiration. 

"  Miserable  tiling  1 "  observed  he,  without  appearing  to  notice 
the  sentiment  it  had  awakened  in  Mabel.  I  never  can  see  it 
without  smiling  at  the  absurd  discussion  it  has  caused.  You 
must  know  that  my  honored  cousin  —  he  here  lowered  his 
voice  expressively  and  looked  over  his  shoulder  to  see  if  any 
of  the  family  were  within  hearing  —  has  the  vanity,  or  the 
credulity,  to  believe  that  picture  a  work  of  one  of  the  old  mas- 
ters. No  one,  with  the  slightest  knowledge  of  paintings,  could 
cherish  such  a  supposition  for  a  moment.  It  is  unquestionably 
a  counterfeit,  or  at  most  a  mere  copy." 

Whether  copy  or  counterfeit  it  had  its  value,  as  was  evident 
from  the  emotion  it  had  awakened  in  Mabel ;  but  she  had  no 
further  opportunity  to  examine  it.  The  seraph  face  having 
been  pronounced  the  guilty  medium  of  a  deception,  she  was 
hurried  away  from  it  by  Dudley,  who  assured  her  that  it  was 
a  daub  —  a  mere  imposture,  not  worth  a  moment's  study. 

So,  also,  in  passing  judgment  on  the  statues.  Two  figures 
of  Mercy  and  Truth  absorbed  Mabel's  notice,  and  were,  in 
many  respects,  the  finest  in  the  collection ;  but  Dudley  could 
see  nothing  in  the  former  but  a  most  remarkable  distortion  in 
the  little  finger ;  and  the  latter,  unless  his  eye  was  more  incor- 
rect than  usual,  betrayed  a  slight  disproportion  in  the  size  of 
the  throat. 

No  one  could  dispute,  however,  the  accuracy  with  which  he 
pointed  out  the  exquisite  finish  observable  in  the  painting  of  a 
Dutch  kitchen,  the  work  of  a  celebrated  artist,  or  the  justice 
with  which  he  commented  upon  the  remarkable  lightness  of  limb 
portrayed  in  a  favorite  bronze  Mercury.  For  the  true  enjoy- 


tfABKL    TAUGHAN.  141 

mont  of  art,  Dudley  evidently  considered  it  necessary  to  com- 
prehend it  in  detail.  He  had  no  conception  of  the  highest 
power  which  it  is  capable  of  exercising,  restricting  its  influence, 
as  he  did,  to  the  enlightened  and  aristocratic  few,  and  wholly 
ignoring  its  agency  in  ennobling  and  elevating  the  masses. 

The  conversation  naturally  passed  from  art  to  artists ;  and 
as  Dudley  had  an  intimate  acquaintance  with  many  persons 
of  this  profession,  he  was  able  to  impart  much  curious  and  in- 
teresting information  concerning  the  labors  and  struggles,  the 
triumphs  and  failures  of  genius. 

They. now  occupied  a  position  where  the  company,  most  of 
whom  were  promenading  the  hall,  passed  successively  under 
their  review ;  and,  forsaking  abstract  topics,  he  proceeded  to 
entertain  her  for  some  time  with  his  comments  upon  various 
individuals — their  peculiar  characteristics,  family  histories,  or 
public  services. 

She  listened  with  interested  and  often  amused  attention,  but 
at  length  her  eye  wandered  to  the  farther  end  of  the  hall ;  and 
Dudley,  observing  the  direction  of  her  earnest  gaze,  perceived 
at  once  the  object  that  had  attracted  her  notice.  An  elderly 
lady,  accompanied  by  a  stout  and  stately  military  gentleman, 
had  entered  the  hall  at  its  farther  extremity,  and  was  slowly 
approaching  the  spot  where  they  stood.  She  was  considerably 
above  the  ordinary  height  of  woman,  with  an  erect  and  im- 
posing figure,  while  her  manner  and  bearing  at  once  commanded 
respect  by  their  composed  and  serene  dignity.  There  was 
nothing  forbidding,  however,  in  her  mild  and  benignant  face, 
shaded  and  softened  by  the  snowy  flutings  of  her  widow's  cap, 
and  her  features  were  such  as  must  in  youth  have  rendered 
her  preeminently  beautiful.  Nor  had  time  had  power  to  dis- 
possess her  of  personal  charms,  although  she  had  numbered 
nearly  threescore  years  and  ten.  Her  skin  was  still  fair,  her 
eye  bright,  and  her  silver  hair,  which  was  smoothly  parted  on 
her  forehead,  escaped  from  her  cap  in  the  form  of  a  few  soft 
and  shining  curls,  which  hung  over  either  cheek.  Her  step, 
too,  was  firm  —  almost  elastic  —  and  her  hand  rested  lightly 
on  the  arm  of  the  portly  officer 


142 


MABEL    VAUGHAN. 


Mabel's  eye  followed  her  with  curiosity  not  unmixed  with 
respectful  admiration,  as  moving  leisurely  up  the  hall  she 
acknowledged  the  courtesies  of  numerous  friends,  and  at  length 
approached  the  spot  which  Dudley  had  chosen  as  a  favorable 
point  of  observation. 

"  Here  comes  the  salt  of  the  earth,  Miss  Vaughan,"  said  he, 
in  a  tone  of  irony ;  she  is  leaning  on  an  arm,  too,  of  the  highest 
respectability." 

"  They  are  a  noble-looking  couple,"  said  Mabel  with  warmth, 
at  the  same  time  turning  to  him  with  an  inquiring  eye,  as  if 
she  would  gladly  hear  more  concerning  them. 

"  That  woman,"  continued  Dudley,  "  is  generallissimo  of  the 
forces  of  modern  innovation  —  the  chief  of  a  battalion  of  ama- 
zonian  philanthropists  who  carry  all  before*  them ;  she  will 
drag  us  before  a  court-martial,"  exclaimed  he,  feigning  a  sud- 
den alarm  as  she  drew  near.  "  How  shall  we  escape  ?  We 
shall  be  caught,  tried,  convicted,  and  sentenced  in  less  than  five 
minutes." 

"  She  seems  to  carry  only  peaceable  weapons,"  said  Mabel 
with  a  smile ;  "  and  allowing  it  were  otherwise,  what  have  we 
done  to  expose  ourselves  to  an  attack  ?  " 

"  We  are  fair  subjects  for  it,"  replied  Dudley ;  "  yourself 
especially.  Do  you  not  see  that  she  is  on  the  recruiting  ser- 
vice ?  " 

The  venerable  lady  of  whom  Dudley  ventured  to  speak  so 
lightly  had  just  encountered  some  young  girls,  who  were  cross- 
ing the  hall,  and  as  she  stood  for  a  moment  conversing  with 
the  more  sprightly  of  the  two,  her  hand  rested  tenderly  on 
the  head  of  the  other,  a  slight,  fair-haired  creature,  who  looked 
up  at  her  aged  friend  with  a  countenance  full  of  affectionate 
respect. 

It  had  seemed  to  Mabel,  as  she  saw  the  evident  affection  the 
old  lady  inspired,  that  nothing  would  delight  her  more  than 
to  be  honored  with  her  friendship ;  and  although  Dudley's 
manner  somewhat  damped  her  enthusiasm,  she  could  not  resist 
watching  every  motion  of  one  whose  appearance  seemed  to 
rebuke  ridicule. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  143 

"You  see,"  continued  he,  "Madam  Percival  is  supreme 
among  her  subalterns.  Her  energies  are  unparalleled,  and  her 
valor  invariably  places  her  in  the  front  rank  of  every  quixotic 
enterprise.  She  carries  a  current  coin  of  golden  opinions,  and 
her  credit  is  unlimited.  It  is  astonishing  what  capital  can  be 
made  now-a-days  out  of  the  sufferings  of  the  poorer  classes." 

Mabel  still  continued  silent,  revolving  her  companions  words, 
and  waiting  to  hear  more. 

"  She  wears  the  same  uniform  as  ever,  I  see,"  said  Dudley, 
after  a  pause  — "  black  satin  and  brussels  lace,  and  has  the 
same  military  escort ;  the  gentleman  with  her  is  her  step-son, 
General  Percival,  of  the  regular  army.  They  have  appeared 
together  on  parade  for  these  twenty  years.  It  tells  vastly  well 
for  family  concord  and  unanimity  under  trying  relations ;  I 
have  heard,  however,  that  there  was  great  difficulty  in  settling 
the  family  estate." 

Dudley  lowered  his  voice,  as  he  concluded,  for  the  subject 
of  his  remarks  was  now  within  a  few  steps  of  them,  and,  as  if 
in  confirmation  of  his  fears,  had  fixed  her  eye  upon  him  intel- 
ligently. 

"  Shall  you  venture  to  meet  the  charge,  and  be  victimized  ?  " 
asked  Dudley,  in  an  undertone,  and  at  the  same  time  looking 
about  him,  as  if  for  a  place  of  refuge. 

"  I  have  no  fears,"  answered  Mabel,  "  I  am  not  the  object 
of  her  notice." 

"  You  will  allow  me,  then,"  said  he,  with  ready  tact,  "  to 
hand  you  some  refreshment ; "  and  he  darted  off  in  pursuit  of 
a  servant,  who  was  passing  with  a  tray  of  ices,  thus  avoiding 
the  necessity  of  the  apparently  dreaded  recognition. 

There  was  such  a  mingling  of  humor  and  satire  throughout 
this  conversation,  that  Mabel  could  not  possibly  determine 
whether  a  single  word  of  it  was  spoken  in  earnest ;  nor  was 
she  convinced  that  Dudley's  anxiety  to  avoid  the  lady  was 
otherwise  than  feigned.  Still  his  words  and  conduct  were  not 
without  effect,  and  her  generous,  confiding  disposition  was 
tinged  with  unpleasant  conjectures.  So  impressed  was  she, 
indeed,  with  a  suspicion  of  the  old  lady's  eccentricities,  that 


144  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

when  the  latter  paused  directly  in  front  of  her,  she  was  fully 
prepared  to  be  addressed,  without  the  ceremony  of  an  intro- 
duction, and  was  consequently  somewhat  disconcerted  when 
a  person  seated  behind  her,  and  whom  she  was  unconsciously 
obscuring,  laid  a  hand  upon  her  arm  and  said,  in  a  gentle  voice, 
"  I  think  that  lady  is  looking  for  me :  will  you  please  move  a 
little  to  the  right  ?"  Mabel  instantly  stepped  aside,  and  as  she 
did  so,  brushed  against  a  pair  of  crutches,  which,  falling  to  the 
floor,  revealed  the  helplessness  of  the  object  of  her  seeming 
incivility. 

As  she  stooped  and  restored  the  crutches  to  their  owner,  at 
the  same  time  apologizing  for  her  unintentional  rudeness,  the 
sincere  grace  of  her  manner  called  forth  an  approving  smile 
from  Madam  Percival,  who,  however,  took  no  further  notice  of 
her,  but  entered  into  conversation  with  the  interesting  lame 
lady,  and  before  Dudley  returned  with  the  iced  sherbet,  accom- 
panied her  and  Gen.  Percival  into  another  room. 

Later  in  the  evening  Mabel  accepted,  with  her  usual  good 
nature,  an  invitation  to  join  the  youthful  dancers,  who  had 
taken  possession  of  the  music  room  and  wanted  one  more 
couple  to  complete  their  set.  Young  as  she  was,  they  were 
nearly  all  her  juniors,  privileged  to  be  present  on  this  occa- 
sion, which  partook  of  the  character  of  a  family  jubilee,  and 
her  boyish  partner  scarcely  equalled  her  in  height.  She 
entered  with  ready  glee,  however,  into  their  juvenile  gaiety, 
and  won  the  hearts  of  the  youthful  company  by  her  sympathy 
in  their  enjoyment.  It  was  an  old-fashioned  country  dance, 
and  Mabel,  after  faithfully  fulfilling  her  part,  reached  the  bot- 
tom laughing  and  out  of  breath. 

"  Your  dance  is  going  off  gloriously,  grandmama !"  exclaimed 
her  partner,  stepping  gaily  within  the  open  door  of  ah  adjoin- 
ing room,  and  addressing  Madam  Percival,  who,  while  watch- 
ing the  progress  of  the  dance  with  evident  pleasure  and 
interest,  was  conversing  in  an  animated  manner  with  the  gen- 
tleman in  the  long-bodied  coat,  whom  Louise  had  denominated 
Father  Noah.  She  smiled  and  nodded  pleasantly  in  acknow- 
ledgment of  the  boy's  congratulations ;  and  Mabel  observed 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  145 

that  each  successive  couple,  as  they  came  down  the  dance, 
exchanged  with  her  similar  tokens  of  satisfaction. 

"  This  performance  was  undertaken  for  grandmother's  bene- 
fit," said  Mabel's  partner  to  her,  by  way  of  explanation.  It 
was  danced  at  our  hostess's  wedding  twenty-five  years  ago. 
My  mother  was  bridesmaid  on  the  occasion,  and  grandmother 
proposed  the  dance  to-night,  for  the  sake  of  old  times."  As 
the  boy  named  his  mother  he  glanced  affectionately  towards 
the  lady  who  was  presiding  at  the  piano,  and  Mabel,  for  the 
first  time,  observed  that  the  owner  of  the  crutches  had  been 
furnishing  the  youthful  party  with  music. 

What  a  charming  bond  of  sympathy  subsists  among  these 
people,  thought  she ;  and  that  remarkable  old  lady  is  evidently 
the  connecting  link.  Can  there  be  hypocrisy  beneath  such  a 
countenance  as  hers  ?  Mr.  Dudley  must  have  been  joking. 

This  latter  conviction  was  still  further  strengthened  in  the 
cloak  room,  where  she  had  an  opportunity  of  witnessing  the 
affectionate  care  which  Madam  Percival  bestowed  on  her  lame 
friend,  declining  for  herself  the  attentions  to  which  her  years 
entitled  her,  and  anxious  only  for  the  comfort  of  the  invalid. 
"  Offer  your  arm  to  your  mother,  my  dear,"  said  she  to  her 
grandson,  who  came  to  the  head  of  Ilie  stairs  to  escort  them  to 
their  carriage ;  and  General  Percival  not  being  in  sight,  the 
venerable  lady  herself  followed,  unattended. 

"  She  is  a  noble  woman  !  I  am  sure  of  it,"  thought  Mabel, 
K  but  what  could  Mr.  Dudley  have  Vacant  ?  " 

The  ingenuous  tribute  of  praise,  and  the  intruding  inquiry 
which  followed  it,  were  alike  indicative  of  Mabel's  impressible 
character.  In  the  former  her  heart  spoke  out,  in  the  latter 
might  be  detected  the  haunting  influence  of  an  enkindled 
doubt.  Alas,  what  a  shadow  may  be  flung  over  the  fairest 
things  by  a  single  whisper  from  the  brooding  demon  of  dis- 
trust ! 

13 


CHAPTEK    XIII. 

And  who  art  thou  that,  in  the  littleness 

Of  thine  own  selfish  purpose,  would  'st  set  bounds 

To  the  free  current  of  all  noble  thought 

And  generous  action,  bidding  its  bright  waves 

Bo  stay'd,  and  flow  no  further  ? 

MRS.  HEMANS. 

JT  was  not  strange  that  Mabel  was  susceptible  to  the  subtle 
influence  cf  Dudley's  insinuations,  for  she  possessed  a  quick 
and  active  mind,  ever  open  to  the  teachings  cf  those  whose 
knowledge  and  experience  might  entitle  them  to  be  the  guides 
of  youth.  It  was,  indeed,  one  of  her  sweetest,  gentlest,  and 
most  womanly  qualities,  which  made  her  thus  open  to  convic- 
tion ;  and  great,  therefore,  was  the  responsibility  incurred  by 
any  who  presumed  to  check  the  genuine  impulses  of  her 
nature.  Not  that  Mabel  was  alike  destitute  of  character  and 
principle,  ready,  like  the  pliant  wax,  to  be  moulded  by  every 
fluctuating  circumstance.  On  the  contrary,  she  had  a  high 
sense  of  duty,  a  stern  reverence  for  virtue,  and  a  noble  desire 
to  excel,  while  certain  fixed  principles  of  right  served  as  the 
outposts  to  guard  the  citadel  of  her  conscience. 

But  duty  does  not  always  assert  itself  with  a  force  which 
may  not  be  evaded ;  the  standards  of  virtue  and  excellence 
are  capable  of  variation;  and  the  citadel  which  would  repel 
an  open  attack,  may,  insiduously,  be  undermined.  Thus,  al- 
though Mabel's  temper  might  occasionally  be  irritated,  and  her 
good  nature  put  to  the  proof  by  Louise's  flagrant  and  open 
violations  of  truth  and  justice,  her  character  stood  in  far  less 
danger  from  this  source,  than  from  the  plausible,  specious, 
and  yet  pernicious  opinions  and  principles  which  Dudley 
intimated,  rather  than  openly  avowed. 

The  day  succeeding  the  evening  abc  • (  described,  was  that 


MABEL   VAUGHAN.  147 

oil  which  Mabel  held  a  weekly  reception  for  guests,  when,  as 
usual,  she  was  assisted  by  Louise,  who  seldom  failed  to  be 
present,  to  share  the  honors  and  responsibilities  which  might 
accrue.  There  had  been  an  unusual  number  of  guests,  but 
all  had  left  save  Dudley.  Mr.  Vauglian,  contrary  to  his  usual 
custom,  was  to  give  a  dinner  party  that  evening,  and  Dudley, 
who  was  to  make  one  of  the  guests,  had  come  early,  bring- 
ing with  him  some  very  rare  and  valuable  prints.  These  con- 
sisted of  accurate  and  beautiful  representations  of  foreign  cos- 
tumes, and  Dudley,  Mrs.  Leroy,  and  Mabel,  were  examining 
them  with  interest,  for  the  purpose  of  selecting  characters  for 
an  approaching  fancy  ball,  when  there  was  a  sudden  ring  of 
the  door  bell. 

It  was  too  late  to  expect  morning  visitors,  and  too  early  for 
the  arrival  of  the  strangers  who  were  to  constitute  the  dinner 
party. 

"  Who  can  that  be  at  this  hour  ? "  said  Mabel,  and  with 
girlish  curiosity  she  stepped  within  the  shadow  of  a  bay  win- 
dow, and  looked  out  into  the  street.  "  There  is  no  carriage 
here,"  said  she  ;  "  it  must  be  father  or  Harry." 

As  she  turned  from  the  window,  however,  she  observed 
Mrs.  Leroy  carelessly  twirling  a  card  round  her  forefinger, 
and  at  the  same  time  giving  a  hasty  message  to  the  footman 
from  whom  she  had  received  it. 

As  the  man  withdrew  into  the  hall,  Louise  flung  the  card 
upon  the  table,  exclaiming,  "Was  there  ever  anything  so  ridic- 
ulous ?  Father  Noah  will  be  coming  here  next ! "  and  she 
glanced  reproachfully  at  Mabel. 

The  latter,  slightly  coloring,  took  up  the  card  and  read, 
"  Mrs.  Abraham  Percival." 

A  ray  of  manifest  pleasure  shone  on  her  face,  as  she  ejacu- 
lated, in  a  low  voice,  and  a  manner  full  of  expectation,  "  Oh ! 
that  beautiful  old  lady  ! " 

Louise,  with  a  scornful  expression,  resumed  the  study  of  the 
plates,  while  Mabel,  apprehensive  of  some  rudeness  on  her 
sister's  part,  walked  towards  the  door  to  receive  her  guest,  her 


148  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

countenance  evincing  some  surprise  and  embarrassment  at  the 
unexpected  visit. 

After  waiting  a  moment,  however,  she  heard  the  hall  door 
close,  and  the  footman  retreat  into  the  back  passage.  A  new 
light  seemed  to  break  in  upon  her  at  these  significant  indica- 
tions, and  she  turned  upon  Louise  with  the  sudden  inquiry, 
"  Can  she  have  gone  ?  " 

"  I  suppose  so,"  replied  Louise,  feigning  astonishment  at  the 
question;  "you  surely  would  not  have  had  her  admitted!  — 
Though  there  is  no  knowing  what  you  might  do,"  added  she, 
with  a  contemptuous  laugh,  "  you  seem  to  have  such  a  fancy 
for  antiquities." 

"  I  have,"  said  Mabel,  decidedly ;  "  did  she  ask  for  me  ?  " 

"  She  certainly  did,"  answered  Louise,  assuming  a  somewhat 
defiant  manner,  as  she  observed  the  color  mount  into  Mabel's 
cheek,  a  and  I  did  you  good  service,  and  saved  you  from  a  most 
intolerable  bore,  by  sending  word  that  Miss  Vaughan  was  not 
at  home,  —  for  which,  I  think,  you  might  at  least  thank  me." 

"  Louise  !  "  exclaimed  Mabel,  expressing  in  the  simple  enun- 
ciation of  her  sister's  name  all  the  amazement,  regret,  and 
mortification  which  were  roused  by  this  cool  declaration  —  for 
there  was  not  even  the  conventional  excuse  for  the  falsehood, 
it  being  Mabel's  reception  day. 

Louise,  who,  however  much  she  might  be  in  fault,  was  always 
ready  with  a  retort,  met  Mabel's  indignant  expression  of  cen- 
sure with  the  retaliating  and  cutting  observation,  "  Do  not  be 
so  angry,  my  dear,  Mr.  Dudley  will  think  you  are  a  vixen. 
When  father  Noah  comes,"  added  she,  in  a  mockingly  soothing 
tone,  "  you  shall  give  your  own  orders,  and  have  his  society  all 
to  yourself,  for  I  trust  I  shall  not  be  present  to  share  the  honor," 
and  with  her  usual  light  laugh  and  tripping  air,  the  little  lady 
stepped  to  the  open  piano  and  commenced  playing  a  lively 
tune,  accompanying  it  with  the  words,  "  Oh,  no,  I  shall  not  be 
there ! " 

The  righteous  indignation  which  had  overspread  Mabel's 
face,  and  given  rise  to  her  sister's  accusation  of  anger,  now 
yielded  to  an  expression  of  grieved  and  wounded  feeling,  and 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  149 

a  tear  glistened  in  her  eye,  as  she  said,  with  a  mildness  that 
was  truly  dignified,  "  I  am  not  angry,  Louise,  but  I  am  sorry 
on  every  account ;"  and  then,  embarassed  at  the  consciousness 
that  Dudley's  eye  was  upon  her,  she  hastily  walked  to  the  bay 
window,  and,  half  hid  beneath  the  shadow  of  its  heavy  curtains, 
watched  the  retreating  figure  of  Madam  Percival,  who,  in 
serene  unconsciousness  of  irreverent  treatment,  was  moving 
leisurely  down  the  street 

Mabel  still  stood  engaged  in  painful  meditation,  when  she 
was  slightly  startled  by  Dudley's  voice  close  beside  her,  saying, 
in  a  low  and  sympathetic  tone,  "  I  am  sorry,  too." 

"  Sorry  for  what  ?  "  asked  Mabel,  confusedly. 

"That  you  should  have  been  so  disturbed.  It  was  very 
unfair,  certainly,  —  there  can  be  no  question  who  ought  to  be 
mistress  here." 

"  Oh,  it  was  not  that,"  said  Mabel,  quickly  ;  "  I  beg  you  not 
to  think  me  so  childish ;"  and  her  eye  again  followed  Madam 
$*ercival,  — u  but  she  is  so  much  older  than  I,  and  she  came 
on  foot,  too,  —  besides,"  added  she,  with  simplicity,  "  I  am  at 
home." 

"  Very  true,"  said  Dudley ;  and  then  ensued  a  momentary 
pause ;  for  to  condemn  Louise  was  scarcely  to  satisfy  Mabel, 
and  it  seemed  impossible  to  give  the  matter  an  agreeable  turn. 

Dudley  found  means,  however,  to  place  it  in  a  new  light. 
"A  most  unchivalrous  mode  of  escape,  without  doubt,"  said  he, 
meditatively ;  an  artifice  such  as  you  would  have  scorned  to 
employ,  Miss  Mabel ;  but,  while  questioning  the  means,  I  can- 
not help  congratulating  you  on  the  deliverance." 

"  Do  you  count  it  as  a  fortunate  escape  ? "  asked  Mabel, 
looking  at  him  with  some  surprise.  "  The  visit  seems  to  me  a 
most  unmerited,  as  it  was  unexpected,  honor." 

"  Unexpected  to  you,"  said  Dudley,  with  a  meaning  smile, 
and  his  peculiar  and  expressive  shrug  of  the  shoulders,  "  but  I 
felt  assured  you  would  be  too  valuable  a  recruit  to  be  over- 
looked. I  have  trembled  for  you  ever  since  I  observed  that 
YOU  had  attracted  the  attention  of  the  gentleman  whom  Mrs. 
Leroy  styles  Father  INoah.  He  is  a  minister  at  large,  which 


150  MABEL    VAUG1TAN. 

• 

means  a  recruiting  sergeant.  He  has,  no  doubt,  reported  you 
to  the  comraander-in-chief,  who  would  'scarcely  overlook  the 
auxiliary  forces  you  would  be  able  to  bring  into  the  field." 

"  I ! " 

"Yes,  certainly;  have  you  not  time,  influence,  and  money, 
all  at  command  ?  " 

Mabel's  countenance  fell,  and  a  shadow  passed  over  her  face. 
"  It  was  not  myself,  then,"  thought  she,  "  who  was  capable  of 
inspiring  interest,  but  my  father's  position,  and  the  length  of 
his  purse." 

"Yes,  certainly,"  continued  Dudley,  in  a  self-gratulatory 
tone ;  "  my  mind  is  relieved,  I  assure  you,  from  many  distress- 
ing visions  which  that  lady's  card  conjured  up.  I  had  already 
imagined  you  in  the  sober  gray  uniform  of  a  professor  in  some 
foundling  educational  institute,  rapping  the  heads  of  unruly 
members  with  the  knuckles  of  one  hand,  and  holding  up  the 
forefinger  of  the  other,  in  a  monitory  manner,  while  you  cried, 
'  attention  ! ' "  • 

Mabel  smiled. 

"  Or,  attired  in  a  long  apron  of  factory  cotton,  and  armed 
with  a  huge  pair  of  shears,  officiating  as  assistant  directress  in 
a  scientific  cutting-and-basting  academy,  for  the  elevation  of 
indigent  needle-women ; —  or,  with  a  pen  behind  your  ear,  and 
a  huge  account-book  under  your  arm,  your  brow  wrinkled  with 
the  responsible  duties  of  treasurer  to  the  corporation  for  encour- 
aging the  emigration  of  foreign  paupers." 

Mabel  laughed  outright  at  the  ludicrous  and,  in  point  of 
taste,  repulsive  picture  thus  represented. 

"  Come  ! "  exclaimed  Louise,  rising  from  the  piano,  '•  why 
don't  we  go  on  selecting  our  characters  ?  I  have  almost  made 
up  my  mind  to  be  comedy,  if  you  will  only  be  tragedy, 
Mabel." 

"  I  have  been  suggesting  tragic  characters  to  your  sister," 
said  Dudley,  with  readiness,  "  but  I  do  not  think  any  of  them 
exactly  meet  her  approbation.  Some  fifty  years  hence,"  added 
he,  in  a  side  voice,  to  Mabel,  "  will  surely  be  time  enough  to 


MABEL    VAUOHAN.  151 

hide  your  smiles  behind  the  black  hood  of  a  sister  of  charity. 
In  the  mean  time,  let  us  seek  something  more  attractive." 

And  in  the  indulgence  of  idle  fancies  that  succeeded,  the 
venerable  Christian  matron  and  her  noble  schemes  of  useful- 
ness passed  from  Mabel's  mind;  or,  if  remembered,  the  former 
was  henceforward  dimly  characterized  as  one  who  had  desired 
to  divert  Mr.  Vaughan's  wealth  to  her  own  quixotic  enter- 
prises, and  decoy  his  daughter  into  sacrificing  her  youth  to 
painful  and,  at  best,  unprofitable  labors. 

It  was  not  until  nearly  a  month  after  Madam  Percival's 
visit,  that  Mabel  bethought  herself  of  the  necessity  of  acknowl- 
edging the  civility ;  and  this  she  did  by  merely  leaving  a  card 
at  her  address. 

Such  is  the  power  of  ridicule  and  wounded  self-love. 

At  the  commencement  of  dinner,  Louise's  want  of  truth  and 
decorum  found  another  opportunity  for  display,  and  here,  also, 
Dudley  acted  as  mediator.  Miss  Sabiah  was  being  handed  in 
to  dinner  by  a  grave,  elderly  gentleman,  who  naturally  looked 
upon  her  as  the  hostess,  when  Louise,  accompanied  by  a  more 
youthful  escort,  brushed  past  them  and  took  the  lead,  saying, 
over  her  shoulder,  as  she  did  so,  "  by  your  leave,  aunt ;  father 
desires  me  to  preside  to-day  ;"  and  the  next  moment  found  her 
seated  at  the  head  of  her  father's  table,  gracefully  and  unblush- 
ingly  filling  the  post  always  heretofore  occupied  by  Miss 
Sabiah. 

It  would  have  been  amusing,  if  it  had  been  one  whit  less 
provoking,  to  witness  the  audacious  effrontery  of  this  usurpa- 
tion. It  was  lost  upon  most  of  the  company,  who  were  stran- 
gers in  the  city ;  but  Mabel,  who  overheard  this  second  bare- 
faced falsehood,  and  stood  aghast  at  the  presumption  of  her 
sister,  could  scarcely  contain  her  agitation  and  annoyance; 
while  Harry's  eye  flashed  angrily  from  the  opposite  end  of  the 
table,  and  Mr.  Vaughan's  mild  countenance  betrayed  signs  of 
discomfiture. 

As  for  Miss  Sabiah,  her  nervous  distress  was  such  as  must 
have  attracted  the  notice  of  any  one  in  her  neighborhood,  had 
not  Dudley,  who  chanced  to  sit  next  to  her,  covered  her  confu- 


152  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

sion,  by  engaging  her  for  a  few  minutes  in  a  conversation  of 
which  he  bore  the  whole  burden  himself,  thus  giving  her  time 
to  rally  her  usual  stiff  and  formal  self-possession. 

This  high-bred  facility  in  playing  the  part  of  a  gentleman, 
which  always  imparted  to  Dudley  an  extremely  obliging  air, 
was  never  more  appreciated  by  Mabel  than  in  this  instance ; 
for  her  indignation  at  the  conduct  of  Louise  was  only  equalled 
by  grief  at  her  aunt's  wounded  feelings.  She  could  not  thank 
him  in  words,  but  her  grateful  smile  sufficiently  indicated  her 
sense  of  his  considerate  kindness.  His  seat  was  between  her's 
and  her  aunt's  and  as  he  turned  from  the  latter  and  met  Mabel's 
approving  glance,  he  remarked,  in  a  low  voice,  "  Miss  Vaughan's 
nerves  are  sensitive." 

"Very,"  said  Mabel,  glancing  anxiously  at  Miss  Sabiah,  who 
was  now  attempting  monosyllabic  replies  to  her  next  neighbor 
on  the  other  side. 

"  We  are  all  creatures  of  habit,"  remarked  Dudley,  "  and  I 
notice  that  elderly  ladies  love  the  little  dignities  of  office.  If 
called  upon  to  resign  them,  they  ought  at  least  to  have  the  satis- 
faction of  seeing  the  heir  apparent  installed  in  their  place." 

His  countenance  plainly  expressed  it  as  his  opinion,  that  of 
the  two  sisters,  Mabel  was  best  entitled  to  the  place  at  the  head 
of  her  father's  table,  and  he  even  expressed  himself  more  plainly 
in  the  words,  "  Miss  Vaughan  is,  I  presume,  a  visitor  merely, 
and  scarcely  endowed  with  the  qualifications  for  playing  the 
part  of  a  hostess, — but  Miss  Mabel  is  unquestionably  the  pre- 
siding genius  here,  arid  we  naturally  look  to  see  her  enthroned 
in  the  chair  of  state." 

"  He  is  right,"  thought  Mabel ;  and  for  the  first  time  she 
realized  her  aunt's  awkwardness  and  ignorance  of  society,  felt 
her  own  competence  to  shine  in  the  position  Miss  Vaughan  had 
hitherto  occupied,  and  half  regretted  the  generous,  and,  as  it 
now  seemed,  inconsiderate  impulse,  which  had  prompted  her, 
on  her  first  return  home,  unhesitatingly,  to  resign  it. 

Who  shall  venture  to  say  how  far  self-love  mingled  in  this 
r»-grot,  and  how  much  of  her  natural  reverence  for  old 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  153 

ations  and  superior  years  was  extinguished  in  the  cold  calcu- 
lations of  expediency ! 

But  this  was  not  the  only,  nor  the  most  vital  form  in  which 
her  sentiments  of  veneration  were  this  day  destined  to  be  as- 
sailed. Mabel  had  a  sincere  love  of  her  native  country,  a 
strong  faith  in  its  republican  institutions,  and  its  Heaven- 
designed  destiny  among  nations,  and  when  the  conversation  of 
some  talented  members  of  the  company  took  a  political  turn, 
her  interest  and  attention  were  at  once  awakened. 

More  than  one  political  party  were  ably  represented,  but  the 
discussion  was  conducted  in  an  amicable  though  earnest  spirit, 
and  all  were  united  in  the  depth  of  their  patriotic  zeal  for  the 
honor  and  welfare  of  their  country,  and  a  deep  conviction  of 
the  influence  she  was  destined  to  exercise  in  the  establishment 
of  liberal  principles  throughout  the  world. 

Mabel's  face  glowed,  and  her  eyes  sparkled,  as  she  listened 
to  the  hopeful  and  stirring  prophecy  of  one,  who,  having  sur- 
vived several  administrations,  watched  the  working  of  our  gov- 
ernmental system,  and  exulted  in  the  growth  of  truth  and 
justice  in  the  national  heart,  ventured  to  predict,  that  the  day 
would  come  at  last,  when,  purged  from  the  stain  of  entailed 
abuses,  she  would  become  a  perfect  model  for  future  republics. 

"  You  are  a  politician,  I  see,  Miss  Vaughan,"  said  Dudley, 
who  had  watched  her  \vith  an  interest  equal  to  that  with  which 
she  had  watched  the  speaker. 

"  I ! "  exclaimed  Mabel,  turning  suddenly  towards  him  and 
blushing,  as  she  always  did  at  the  consciousness  of  her  betrayed 
enthusiasm,  "  Oh,  no  !  " 

"  A  female  patriot,  then  ?  " 

"  Hardly  that,"  replied  Mabel.  "  I  am  afraid  I  have  not  the 
heroism  of  a  patriot,  but  I  do  hope  that  prophesied  day  of  glory 
will  come  at  last,  and  that  I  shall  live  to  see  it." 

"  I  hope,"  said  Dudley,  with  a  tone  that  was  calculated  to 
chill  the  ardor  of  her  feelings,  "  that  you  will  not,  on  the  other 
hand,  see  this  much-boasted  confederacy  sink  as  low  in  the 
scale  of  nations  as  my  fears  predict.  The  elements  of  disor- 
ganization and  failure  are  already  at  work ;  it  is  astonishing  to 


154  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

see  the  blind  confidence  with  which  these  self-styled  statesmen 
endeavor  to  uphold,  with  high-sounding  words,  the  crumbling 
edifice  of  national  prosperity;"  and,  turning  to  the  individual 
whose  eloquence  had  inspired  Mabel  with  a  kindred  zeal,  he 
begged  a  solution  of  some  of  those  difficult  and  intricate  prob- 
lems in  the  future  career  of  the  republic  which  distract  the 
common  mind  and  tax  the  best  abilities  of  the  wisest. 

The  question  called  forth  a  response,  which,  in  its  turn,  gave 
rise  to  a  short  but  spirited  debate,  conducted  ably  on  both  sides, 
but  with  especial  skill  on  the  part  of  Dudley,  whose  opponent 
was  no  match  for  him  in  clearness  of  argument  and  subtle  force 
of  reasoning ;  and  not  Mabel  alone,  but  older  and  wiser  heads 
than  hers,  were  compelled  to  acknowledge  the  justness  of  his 
apprehensions,  and  almost  felt  the  social  fabric  totter  beneath 
them,  as  he  enlarged  upon  the  imminent  peril  which  threat- 
ened it. 

It  was  neither  his  taste  nor  his  policy,  however,  to  push  the 
controversy  beyond  the  interchange  of  a  few  prominent  ideas 
and  suggestions,  and  he  gracefully  and  ingeniously  waived  the 
continuance  of  a  subject  ill-suited  to  the  time  and  place,  even 
suffering  his  antagonist  to  enjoy  the  benefit  of  the  last  word, 
which  was  to  the  effect,  that  no  one  could  foresee  how  these 
things  would  terminate,  —  that  Mr.  Dudley's  queries  were, 
doubtless,  unanswerable  —  but,  as  he  had  said  before,  he  had 
confidence  in  the  nation  at  large,  and  the  over-ruling  Providence 
which  had  thus  far  sustained  it. 

"  The  gentleman  has  an  astonishing  confidence  in  the  ele- 
ments of  which  this  community  is  composed,"  said  Dudley  to 
Mabel,  when  conversation  around  the  table  had  again  become 
general;  "he  seems  to  place  great  reliance  too  on  tne  Divine 
partiality.  Does  he  think  the  American  Republic  superior  in 
intelligence  to  those  of  classic  Greece  and  Rome  ?  or  that  the 
former  is  destined  to  perennial  growth,  while  the  latter  were 
doomed  to  decay  ?  " 

The  inquiry  was  specious,  and  acted  powerfully  upon  Mabel's 
mind,  for  there  was  no  one  to  suggest  the  re  ply,  —  that  in  the 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  155 

Christianity  of  the  nation  lay  the  true  safety  of  its  children,  and 
the  hope  of  its  future  glory. 

It  was  not  strange  that  Dudley  should  cherish  dark  and 
gloomy  doubts  of  a  triumph  whose  germ  he  totally  overlooked. 
Alas,  how  much  he  overlooked  in  this  world,  so  rich  to  him  in 
its  arts,  its  sciences,  its  wealth,  its  knowledge,  and  its  pride ! 
How  poor  are  all  these  treasures  in  comparison  with  that  pearl 
of  price,  which  he,  in  his  self-reliance,  scornfully  disdains,  and 
scorning  it  himself,  hesitates  not  to  despoil  another  of  that  child- 
like simplicity  and  trust,  which  invest  earth  with  a  halo  of 
heavenly  brightness,  and  constitute  the  choicest  gem  in  her 
womanly  crown ! 

And  what  shall  he  give  her  in  return  ? 

He  may  ransack  the  stores  of  learning,  exhaust  the  mines  of 
knowledge,  or  drain  to  their  utmost  depths  the  resources  of 
fancy,  wit,  and  imagination — but  he  can  never  give  her  back 
the  holy  joy  that  springs  from  the  love  of  common  things,  the 
cherishing  of  natural  sentiment,  the  faith  in  human  virtue  and 
the  providence  of  God. 

The  time  is  coming  when  she  will  need  them  all.  Ah ! 
what  shall  atone  for  their  fatal  loss,  when  her  heart  crieth  out 
in  its  bitter  agony  and  no  answering  voice  replieth  ? 


CHAPTER    XIV. 

Oh !  but  ill, 

When  with  rich  hopes  o'er  fraught,  the  young  high  heart 
Bears  its  first  blow !  —  it  knows  not  yet  the  part 
Which  life  will  teach  —  to  suffer  and  be  still. 

MRS.  HEMAXS. 

A  FEW  weeks  more  pass  away.  The  gay  world  is  as  gay  as 
ever.  Music,  laughter,  dancing,  fashion,  and  display,  still  gild 
•the  surface  of  that  phase  of  humanity,  which  hides  its  throbbing 
heart  behind  the  veil  of  conventional  usages,  or  crushes  down 
its  aching  sorrows  beneath  the  weight  of  an  assumed  gayety. 
A  little  while  ago,  and  Mabel  was  one  among  the  crowd  who 
wore  no  such  veil,  and  bent  beneath  no  such  weight.  Her 
motions  were  free,  her  smiles  genuine,  and  her  heart  light. 
But  the  case  is  altered  now;  the  immunity  exists  no  longer; 
and  Mabel  is  changed.  It  is  not  that  the  world  has  withdrawn 
its  favor,  though  its  admiration  is,  perchance,  somewhat  tainted 
with  envy.  It  is  not  that  her  health  is  undermined,  though  the 
roses  have  paled  a  little  in  her  cheeks ;  nor  is  it  the  effect  of 
satiety,  for  the  new  element,  which  a  superior  mind  has  had 
power  to  infuse  into  her  daily  life,  has  lost  nothing  of  its  charm. 
Yet  the  once  buoyant,  happy,  careless  Mabel,  is  suddenly  and 
strangely  changed. 

The  dull-eyed  world  notes  it  not;  even  affection  is  blinded  to 
the  fact,  and  scarcely  does  her  own  heart  acknowledge  its  pain- 
ful but  unutterable  burden. 

Still  its  influence  penetrates  every  spring  of  action,  and 
modifies  every  thought ;  for,  hid  as  it  might  be  from  others,  and 
struggled  with  as  it  might  be  by  herself,  Mabel,  the  hitherto 
light-hearted  Mabel,  has  something  on  her  mind. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  15 / 

Whatever  it  may  be,  it  is  something  of  a  saddening  nature ; 
for  the  spirits  which  were  wont  to  be  spontaneous  are  now 
forced  and  fitful ;  it  is  something  alarming,  if  one  may  judge 
from  the  nervous  starts  and  occasional  tremblings  which  are 
significant  of  anxiety  and  dread ;  it  is  something  secret,  for  she 
tells  no  one,  maintains  an  assumed  composure  herself,  and  scans 
the  faces  of  others  with  eager  scrutiny. 

Her  altered  habits,  moreover,  betray  a  corresponding  change 
in  her  feelings,  motives,  and  designs.  She  no  longer  approaches 
the  breakfast-room  carolling  a  gay  song,  or  trips  with  a  light 
step  to  her  aunt's  door,  and  bids  her  a  lighter  good  morning, — 
but  pauses  within  her  own  room,  listens  for  the  footsteps  of  the 
rest  of  the  household  assembling  for  the  morning  meal,  and 
when  she  makes  her  own  appearance,  glances  around  the  table 
with  a  troubled  air  and  an  inquiring  eye.  And  when  she  re- 
turns at  night  from  those  gay  scenes,  into  which  she  plunges 
with  more  eagerness  than  ever,  she  seems  quite  forgetful  of 
the  rest  which  youthful  weariness  is  wont  to  crave,  and,  dismiss- 
ing her  maid,  paces  her  room  with  unequal  steps,  looks  out  of 
her  window  at  the  night,  or,  noiselessly  turning  the  door-lock, 
moves  through  the  house  like  a  ghost,  listening  at  cracks  and 
peeping  through  key  holes  ;  then,  startled  by  some  slight  noise, 
retreats  hastily  within  her  own  room,  perhaps  brushes  away  a 
tear,  and  retires  for  the  night  with  a  lamp  still  burning. 

In  society,  also,  many  and  frequent  are  the  indications  which, 
though  unmarked  by  others,  betray  to  one  observant  eye,  at 
least,  the  secret  fear  which  is  ever  present  to  her  thoughts. 
The  quick  flush  upon  the  countenance,  the  rapid  and  excited 
conversations  upon  subjects  of  trifling  interest,  the  nervous 
start  on  being  suddenly  addressed,  and  an  occasional  absence 
of  mind  —  all  bear  witness  to  the  fact,  which  it  is  now  the  chief 
anxiety  of  her  life  to  conceal. 

Yes,  even  her  pathway,  sunny  as  it  seemed,  stretches  across 
those  dreary  wastes  which  humanity  is  doomed  to  tread.  She, 
like  the  rest,  has  taken  up  her  burden,  and  must  bear  it  as  best 
she  may.  It  came  upon  her  suddenly.  A  premonitory  shadow, 
indeed — an  undefined  dread — had  once  or  twice  taken  posses- 

14 


-.58  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

eion  of  her  mind;  but  the  blow  aimed  by  cruel  hands  finally 
struck  home  without  preface  or  warning. 

It  happened  thus.  She  was  sitting  for  her  portrait  to  the 
very  artist  who  had  been  so  earnest  to  obtain  the  opportunity, 
and  who,  with  Dudley's  recommendation  in  his  favor,  met  Mr. 
Vaughan's  ready  encouragement. 

It  was  the  morning  after  the  fancy  ball,  already  alluded  to 
as  in  course  of  preparation.  The  festivities  having  been  pro- 
longed until  a  late  hour,  it  was  with  some  reluctance  that  Mabel 
made  the  effort  to  keep  her  appointment  with  the  artist ;  but 
his  time  was  valuable,  and  she  was  unwilling  to  disappoint  him. 
Miss  Sabiah  usually  accompanied  her  on  these  occasions,  but 
as  the  venerable  years  and  character  of  the  portrait  painter 
rendered  her  presence  superfluous,  and  the  coachman  had 
taken  his  horses  to  be  shod  that  morning,  Mabel  proceeded 
alone  and  on  foot  to  the  studio,  requesting  her  aunt  to  send  the 
carriage  to  meet  her  at  an  appointed  hour. 

Mr.  Geraldi,  whose  conversational  gifts  rivalled  those  of  the 
pencil,  and  who  seldom  failed  to  relieve  the  monotony  of  these 
sittings  by  his  agreeable  discourse,  had  this  morning  enlarged 
with  more  than  ordinary  enthusiasm  upon  topics  connected 
with  his  profession,  and  either  accidentally  or  with  conscious 
tact,  had,  by  a  warm  eulogium  upon  his  friend  Dudley's  knowl- 
edge and  taste,  called  up  in  Mabel's  face  that  expression  of 
animation  and  interest  which  he  was  most  anxious  to  transfer 
to  his  canvas.  He  had  reached  a  critical  point  in  his  labors, 
and  his  countenance  consequently  manifested  no  little  annoy- 
ance, when  the  outer  door  of  his  studio  was  unceremoniously 
thrown  open,  and  a  party  of  fashionable  young  ladies  entered, 
having  come  thither,  out  of  idle  curiosity,  to  inspect  some  por- 
traits which  were  on  exhibition. 

A  wide  screen,  which  stretched  the  whole  length  of  the 
apartment,  concealed  Mr.  Geraldi  and  Mabel  from  the  observa- 
tion of  the  visitors,  but  their  loud  voices  and  extravagant  mirth 
were  scarcely  less  embarrassing  to  the  artist  than  their  actual 
presence  would  have  been;  more  especially  as,  however  he 
might  profess  to  despise  the  criticism  of  the  uninitiated,  he 


MAHEL    VAUGIIAN.  150 

could  not  be  wholly  insensible  to  the  unqualified  comments 
which  they  bestowed  upon  his  works. 

"  Do  see,"  cried  one,  "  that  is  Mrs.  Leonard  ! "  "  Looks 
about  as  much  like  her  as  it  does  like  me,"  cried  a  second.  "  I 
hope  she  has  paid  him  well  for  making  a  beauty  of  her,"  again 
exclaimed  the  first  speaker;  while  a  third,  exposing  to  view  an 
unfinished  portrait  which  was  turned  towards  the  wall,  pro- 
nounced it  a  genuine  likeness  of  Miss  Oldbelle,  minus  her 
rouge  and  hair-dye. 

Mr.  Geraldi  smiled.  Mabel  blushed,  recognizing  as  she  did 
the  voices  of  some  of  her  friends,  and  anxiously  anticipating 
some  more  cutting  sarcasm. 

"Well  might  she  tremble — but  not  for  the  artist;  the  poison- 
ous shafts  of  these  idle  tongues  were  destined  to  take  a  nearer, 
closer  aim,  and  pierce  her  own  heart. 

"  Where 's  Mabel  Vaughan  ? "  cried  Victoria  Vannecker. 
"  Geraldi  is  painting  her ;  that 's  the  only  picture  I  care  about 
seeing." 

"  You  feel  a  sisterly  interest,  Vic ! "  exclaimed  another  voice. 
"  No  wonder ! "  And  then  followed  many  foolish  and  coarse 
jokes,  implying  the  near  relations  likely  to  exist  between  Miss 
Vannecker  and  the  Vaughan  family. 

Mabel's  lips,  as  she  listened,  curled  with  a  slight  expression 
of  scorn  at  these  unwelcome  and  preposterous  projects  of  alli- 
ance. 

"  I  will  do  the  Ilammerlys  the  credit  of  saying,"  cried  the 
eldest  and  loudest-spoken  of  Victoria's  companions,  "  that  there 
has  been  nothing  this  winter  that  has  gone  off  half  as  well  as 
that  ball  last  night.  The  whole  thing  was  managed  splendidly, 
and  that  last  dance  was  so  exciting — it  almost  takes  me  off 
my  feet  to  think  of  it ! "  and  she  concluded  by  humming  a  few 
notes  of  the  most  popular  waltz  of  the  season. 

"  They  say  there  was  no  end  to  the  champagne  that  was 
drank,"  said  Victoria. 

"  I  should  think  so,"  said  another  and  somewhat  gentler 
voice ;  "  did  you  see  Mr.  Van  Rosberg  and  that  young  creole 


1GO  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

that  wore  a  Spanish  dress  ?  I  was  afraid  they  would  really 
get  to  fighting.  I  am  sure  they  were  both  excited  with  wine." 

"  Oh,  that  is  nothing,"  cried  the  loud-voiced  lady.  "  I  know 
from  good  authority,  that  two  or  three  of  our  set  did  n't  go 
home  until  daylight,  and  then  not  without  help.  Your  Knight 
of  Malta,  Vic,  had  his  share  of  the  champagne,  if  any  body 
did." 

Miss  Vannecker  laughed. 

"  What  were  you  doing  in  the  supper-room  just  before  the 
last  dance  ?  drinking  healths  ?  " 

"  Oh,  Robin  Hood  gave  the  funniest  toast,"  said  Victoria ;  "  I 
wish  I  could  remember  it — it  was  something  about  a  horn ; 
and  Little  John — that  was  Fred  Earle,  you  know — he  re- 
sponded ;  and  my  Maltese  Knight  made  a  Mttle  bit  of  a  speech 
—  all  to  ourselves,  you  know,  up  in  that  corner  of  the  room  ; 
but  oh,  it  was  so  funny !  Fan  and  I  laughed  so  !  I  declare, 
Fan — Fan  Broadhead,  the  fairy  queen — was  so  diverted, 
that  she  forgot  to  take  care  of  her  gauze  wings,  and  that  great, 
stout  Mrs.  Makeway  brushed  against  her  and  crushed  one  of 
them,  so  that  it  looked  ridiculously.  Fan  was  dreadfully  pro- 
voked !  It  served  her  right,  though,  for  she  never  would  have 
dreamed  of  taking  that  part  if  she  had  not  known  that  I  thought 
of  it  for  myself.  How  mad  she  was  when  the  Malta  Knight 
said  something  about  its  proving  that  she  was  a  false  fairy. 
That  was  just  as  we  "went  off  to  dance,"  added  Victoria,  with 
an  affected  and  self-satisfied  air,  "  and  I  do  n't  know  how  she 
managed  to  repair  the  mischief." 

"  Your  devoted  knight  was  very  light,  both  of  head  and 
heels,  at  that  time  in  the  evening,"  said  her  friend.  "  What 
with  my  partner  and  yours,  Vic,  the  dance  had  a  right  to  be 
lively.  They  do  say,  though,"  and  here  she  lowered  her  voice 
sufficiently  to  impart  added  meaning  to  her  words — "the  Ham- 
merlys,  and  some  others  who  have  a  right  to  know,  do  say,  that 
it  is  not  the  first  time  that  the  Knight  of  Malta  has  needed  the 
services  of  his  father's  footman.  But,  lah!  they  say  so  of 
half  the  young  men ! " 

"To  be  sure,"  said  Victoria,  as  the  party,  who  had  long 


MAIJEL    VAUGIIAN.  1G1 

ceased  their  inspection  of  the  pictures,  prepared  to  take  leave, 
and  the  door  closed  behind  them  with  these  words  from  the 
frivolous  lips  of  one  of  their  number — 

"  Poh  !     "What  is  champagne  made  for  if  not  to  drink  ?  " 

Mr.  Geraldi,  who  with  his  head  bent  over  his  palette  had 
been  mixing  a  few  colors,  while  he  impatiently  awaited  the 
departure  of  the  talkative  group  of  visitors,  now  looked  up  at 
Mabel,  with  the  view  of  resuming  his  labors  at  the  easel,  but 
could  scarcely  believe  that  he  saw  before  him  the  same  face 
which  he  had  been  studying  a  few  moments  before.  The 
mobile  features  had  become  rigid,  the  lips  compressed,  the 
complexion  almost  colorless ;  while  the  expression  of  animated 
intelligence,  which  he  had  been  so  anxious  to  retain,  had  wholly 
vanished,  giving  place  to  that  vacant  and  absent  air  which 
often  takes  possession  of  the  countenance  when  the  mind  is 
engaged  in  painful  introspection. 

Thought  was  almost  suspended  in  Mabel,  but  memory  and 
imagination  had  called  up  in  vivid  colors  a  long  array  of  living 
facts,  upon  which  her  mental  gaze  was  riveted.  She  had  ex- 
perienced strange  doubts  and  questionings  before.  It  was  all 
explained  now.  The  coldness  between  Dudley  and  Harry  — 
the  latter's  exaggerated  attentions  to  Miss  Vannecker  —  his 
avoidance  of  herself —  her  solitary  return  home  the  previous 
night — and  the  unusual  noise  upon  the  stairs  which  had  dis- 
turbed her  slumbers  at  daybreak  —  these  idle  tattlers  had  ac- 
counted for  it  all  —  for  Harry  was  the  Knight  of  Malta. 

Not  until  the  loud  banging  of  the  street  door  and  the  sudden 
silence  which  succeeded,  recalled  her  to  herself,  did  she  realize 
the  necessity  for  self-control.  As  she  looked  up  and  found  Mr. 
Geralcli's  eyes  fixed  upon  her,  a  sudden  flush  overspread  her 
cheeks  and  brow,  and  she  rose  quickly  from  her  chair,  as  if 
deprecating  any  further  analysis  of  her  face  and,  possibly,  of 
her  emotions. 

"  You  are  fatigued,  my  dear  youg  lady.  I  have  kept  you 
too  long ! "  said  the  kind  old  artist,  who  had  heard  but  a  por- 
tion of  the  conversation  that  had  just  transpired  in  his  studio, 
14* 


1G2  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

and  who  had  recognized  nothing  in  it  which  could  have  power 
to  agitate  her. 

"  Yes,"  said  Mabel,  in  a  broken  voice,  and  scarcely  knowing 
what  she  said,  "I  will  go  now;"  and  rising,  she  mechanically 
resumed  her  cloak  and  bonnet,  and  walked  to  the  door,  forget- 
t'ng,  until  she  had  nearly  left  the  room,  her  customary  saluta- 
tion and  farewell,  which  were  at  length  performed  with  but 
little  of  her  wonted  grace. 

She  had  gained  the  sidewalk  before  she  even  thought  of  the 
carriage,  but  then  perceiving  that  it  had  not  arrived,  she  walked 
slowly  up  the  street,  and  turning,  walked  back  for  a  little  dis- 
tance,—  and  this  she  did,  again  and  again,  unconscious  of  ob- 
servation, and  thankful  only  to  be  in  the  fresh  air  and  alone. 

"  Miss  Mabel ! "  called  Donald,  as  she  was  unconsciously 
passing  the  carriage,  which  had  at  length  reached  the  artist's 
door.  He  was  obliged  to  follow  his  young  mistress  and  repeat 
the  call,  before  he  could  arrest  her  attention. 

"  0,  Donald  !  is  that  you  ?  "  she  exclaimed,  in  sudden  sur- 
prise ;  and  then,  without  any  explanation  of  her  singular  pre- 
occupation, she  turned,  hastened  to  the  carriage,  and  springing 
in,  threw  herself  upon  the  back  seat  with  evident  relief,  and 
told  him  to  drive  on. 

"  Where  ?  "  asked  he,  and  receiving  no  answer,  repeated  the 
question. 

"  Home,"  cried  she,  at  length,  in  answer  to  his  inquiries,  and 
for  the  first  time  astonishing  him  by  the  irritability  of  her  tone 
of  voice. 

Fortunately  it  was  a  quiet  street,  and  there  was  no  one  but 
Donald  to  feel  or  express  any  astonishment  at  her  movements. 

They  had  gone  but  a  few  steps,  when  she  suddenly  pulled 
the  check-string.  "  Drive  to  Mrs.  Leroy's ! "  exclaimed  she,  a 
little  imperatively,  as  if  the  man  had  wilfully  misunderstood 
her  first  direction. 

Poor  girl !  she  scarcely  knew  what  she  said  or  did.  Louise 
was  at  home,  and  Mabel  found  her  attired  in  a  rich  dressing- 
gown,  and  lying  on  a  sofa,  loo  much  fatigued  with  the  dissipa- 
tion of  the  previous  evening  :o  attempt  any  exertion. 


3IABEL    VAUGI1AN.  1G3 

Not  till  she  was  seated  opposite  to  her  sister,  and  a  pause 
succeeded  the  usual  interchange  of  civilities,  did  Mabel  a-k 
herself  for  what  purpose  she  had  come.  Certainly  not  to  be- 
tray to  Mrs.  Leroy  the  subject  which  was  uppermost  in  her 
thoughts.  Perhaps,  though  she  could  not  herself  be  sure,  it  was 
to  learn  whether  Louise  was  yet  conscious  of  the  fatal  secret, 
which  was  no  secret ;  and  if  so,  to  discover  the  nature  of  her 
sentiments  in  relation  to  the  melancholy  fact. 

"  Been  at  Geraldi's  ever  since  ten  o'clock  ?  "  was  the  excla- 
mation with  which  Mrs.  Leroy  broke  the  momentary  silence. 
"O,  Mabel,"  continued  she,  languidly,  and  settling  herself 
more  comfortably  on  her  pillows,  "  how  strong  you  are ;  why, 
I  hardly  felt  able  to  go  to  the  breakfast-table,  after  the  fatigue 
of  last  night." 

"  You  danced  more  than  I  did,"  said  Mabel  with  an  absent 
tone,  and  the  half-timid,  half-searching  glance  at  her  sister, 
which  she  had  worn  from  her  first  entrance. 

"  Yes,  very  true,"  responded  Louise,  with  the  flattered  air 
of  a  youthful  belle,  "  somehow  I  never  can  get  excused.  How 
do  you  manage,  Mabel  ?  However,"  continued  she,  without 
waiting  for  a  reply,  "  you  are  not  so  passionately  fond  of  it  as 
I  am  ;  I  was  brought  up  to  it.  I  danced  the  cracovienne  with 
castanets,  when  I  was  only  four  years  old,  for  the  entertain- 
ment of  mamma's  visitors.  There  was  a  Count  in  the  room 
one  evening,  —  I  can't  think  of  his  name,  but  I  remember 
perfectly  what  he  said  to  me  about  my  dancing." 

Once  launched  upon  this  topic,  Louise  did  not  pause  until 
she  had  detailed,  for  Mabel's  benefit,  the  successive  tributes  of 
flattery  which  had  poisoned  the  ear,  first  of  the  child,  and  then 
of  the  woman,  up  to  the  present  period ;  and  Mabel,  to  whom 
these  petty  parades  of  vanity  were  nothing  new,  breathed  more 
freely  as  she  listened.  She  could  never  be  thinking  of  herself, 
and  of  such  trifles,  if  she  knew  what  I  know,  thought  Mabel ; 
and  she  felt  a  sense  of  relief  in  the  idea  that  there  was  one  of 
the  family,  at  least,  who  was  ignorant  of  Harry's  disgrace. 

At  length,  after  Louise  had  roamed  from  one  frivolous  topic 
to  another,  for  the  space  of  half  an  hour,  failing  amid  her  own 


164  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

volubility  to  take  note  of  Mabel's  unusual  silence  and  con- 
straint, the  latter  rose  to  go. 

"  Do  hand  me  that  cologne,  Mabel,"  said  her  sister ;  and  re- 
ceiving the  bottle  from  Mabel's  hand,  she  poured  some  of  its 
contents  on  her  handkerchief,  and  applied  it  to  her  forehead. 
"  I  believe  I  have  got  a  headache  to-day,"  drawled  she,  "  I  feel 
very  dull  and  stupid,  at  any  rate;  I  suppose  it's  the  cham- 
pagne I  drank  last  night.  Close  the  shutters,  will  you,  Mabel  ? 
if  Lydia  will  only  keep  those  children  out,  I  may  get  a  nap. 
Was  Harry  up  to  breakfast  this  morning  ?  "  added  she,  laugh- 
ing. 

Mabel's  hand  trembled,  as  with  her  back  to  Louise,  she  at- 
tempted to  close  the  shutters,  and  her  voice  betrayed  no  slight 
agitation,  as  she  answered,  "  Why  ?  " 

"  Oh,  nothing,"  replied  Louise,  "  only  I  fancy  he  returned 
rather  late,  and  had  a  pretty  heavy  dose  to  sleep  off." 

Mabel  made  no  answer,  except  by  rattling  the  latch  of  the 
shutter,  which  she  tried  in  vain  to  fasten. 

"  It  was  two  o'clock  when  we  came  away,"  continued  Louise, 
"  and  Mr.  Leroy  says  that  some  of  the  young  men  in  the  hotel 
did  not  come  home  until  three  or  four  hours  later.  I  will  ven- 
ture to  say,  Harry  was  one  of  the  last  to  leave,  for  nobody 
seemed  to  enjoy  it  more  than  he  did.  I  never  saw  him  in 
such  spirits  in  his  life  —  thanks  to  the  supper,  I  think,  rather 
than  Vic  Vannecker's  wit,  though  Vic  would  not  thank  me  for 
saying  so,"  added  she,  in  a  somewhat  indifferent  tone. 

Mabel  turned  slowly  round,  lifted  her  long  lashes,  and  fixed 
her  eyes  full  and  wonderingly  upon  her  sister's  face.  Louise 
met  this  glance  of  deep  concern  and  reproach  with  her  usual 
light  and  scornful  laugh. 

"  Do  n't  look  so  shocked,"  exclaimed  she  at  length,  a  little 
irritated  by  Mabel's  silence,  which  was  far  more  expressive 
than  any  words  of  which  she  could  have  made  use ;  "  you  are 
just  like  Mr.  Leroy.  He  talks  about  Harry's  having  got  into 
a  bad  set,  and  all  that  nonsense.  I  am  sure  his  acquaintances 
are  the  first  young  men  about  town.  For  my  part,  I  like  to 
see  gentlemen  have  a  little  life  and  spirit  about  them  ;  I  can  't 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  1G5 

bear  these  spoonies  who  are  always  measuring  their  conduct ; 
afraid  of  losing  caste  among  the  saints  ;  they  do  n't  turn  out 
a  bit  better  in  the  end.  But,  la,  Mabel,  how  solemn  you 
look,"  added  Louise,  almost  angrily.  "  You  'd  make  an  an- 
chorite of  Harry,  I  dare  say,  and  advise  me  to  become  a  nun, 
and  go  out  into  the  wilderness,  next  month,  with  Mr.  Leroy, 
as  he  proposed  I  should  do  this  morning.  My  motto  is,  to  en- 
joy as  much  as  one  can,  and  take  life  easy."  And  once  more 
composing  herself  upon  her  couch,  she  commenced  putting  her 
motto  into  practice  by  closing  her  eyes  for  a  nap. 

Mabel  was  not  slow  to  avail  herself  of  the  hint  which  this 
action  afforded,  and  now  hastening  from  the  house,  gave  the 
Coachman  the  unhesitating  order  to  drive  home. 

In  that  one  long,  silent  look  which  she  had  fastened  upon 
her  sister's  face,  she  had  pierced,  as  it  were,  to  the  depths  of 
that  shallow  and  worldly  nature, — she  had  measured  the  wide 
difference  between  her  own  vehement  heart-throbs,  and  the 
feeble  pulsations  of  feeling  in  Louise,  and  had  learned  the  sad 
truth,  that  in  the  deep  experiences  of  life  she  must  seek  in 
vain,  in  this  direction,  for  a  sister's  counsel  and  sympathy. 

To  whom,  then,  shall  she  look  for  comfort  in  this  hour  of 
Bitterness  ?  Not  to  her  father,  who,  she  trusts,  may  long  be 
left  in  ignorance  of  his  son's  misconduct ;  not  to  her  aunt,  who 
would  inveigh  against  it  with  a  severity  of  which  Mabel  could 
not  bear  to  think  ;  and  of  higher  and  heavenly  aid,  though  she 
was  far  from  denying  its  power,  she  had  not  yet  learned  to 
avail  herself.  So,  for  the  first  time  in  her  life,  as  she  sought 
her  solitary  room,  she  felt  herself  truly  alone,  —  alone  with  an 
aching  sorrow. 

With  what  crushing  force  did  it  weigh  down  and  paralyze 
her  heart!  The  world  might  excuse  the  folly  at  which  it 
laughed  so  lightly,  the  frivolous  might  defend,  and  the  weak 
applaud,  but  Mabel  could  only  tremble  and  weep. 

She  looked  not  to  the  end,  she  measured  not  the  fearful  con- 
sequences that  might  ensue  in  the  future  ;  her  feelings  had 
received  too  severe  a  shock  to  admit  of  any  other  conscious- 
ness, than  that  of  a  deep  and  irreparable  calamity. 


1G6  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

Harry,  her  noble  brother,  a  laughing  stock  and  a  by-word! — 
his  rnanly  figure  and  handsome  face  a  mark  for  the  finger  of 
scorn,  his  intellectual  nature  lowered  to  the  level  of  a  brute  ! 
It  was  too  much;  and  the  necessity  for  self-control  being  past, 
she  threw  herself  on  her  bed,  and  gave  way  to  a  paroxysm  of 
grief. 

Who  shall  tell  the  agony  of  the  mental  conflict  that  she  ex- 
perienced? It  is  sufficient  that  she  rose  from  that  suffering  crisis 
a  new  and  altered  being.  The  iron  hand  was  upon  her  which 
moulds  the  child  into  the  woman,  and  she  went  her  way,  shrink 
ing  beneath  its  cruel  touch.  Henceforth,  her  inner  and  outer 
world  were  no  longer  in  harmony.  The  drama  of  her  life  was 
double,  and  she  had  two  parts  to  play. 


CHAPTER    XV. 

Oh,  that  men  should  put  an  enemy  in 
Their  mouths,  to  steal  away  their  brains  !  that  we 
Should,  with  joy,  pleasure,  revel  and  applause, 
Transform  ourselves  to  beasts.  SHAKSPEARE. 

THERE  is  a  species  of  brutish  self-indulgence  which  takes 
possession  of  the  poor,  the  hard-working  and  the  untaught 
nature.  It  revels  in  the  low,  degrading,  and  under-ground 
haunts  of  vice.  It  walks  both  by  night  and  day,  striding  before 
the  eyes  of  men  in  all  its  unglossed  deformity,  telling  of  starva- 
tion and  rags,  of  wayside  gutters  and  unmarked  graves.  It 
excites  the  disgust  of  the  refined  worldling,  and  the  efforts 
of  the  brave  philanthropist. 

There  is  another,  and  a  like  species  of  consuming  demon, 
which  treads  the  high  places  of  the  earth,  its  ugliness  clothed 
in  the  garments  of  pride,  and  its  depravity  hid  beneath  the  veil 
of  luxury.  Wealth  ministers  to  its  grasping  influence,  and 
oftentimes,  youthful  beauty  and  woman's  smile  foster  the  devour- 
ing flame.  Not  until  its  fell  work  is  well-nigh  done,  does  the 
world  take  note  of  the  destruction  which  lies  in  its  path ;  but 
the  record  of  its  fearful  march  is  written  on  many  a  bowed 
head  and  broken  heart,  while  secret  tears  and  midnight  watch- 
ings,  and  the  unuttered  groans  of  disappointed  hope,  sap  the 
very  life-springs  of  a  mourning  household. 

The  friend  of  humanity  spares  no  effort  to  baffle  the  brutish 
wayside  enemy  which  drags  the  once  honest  and  industrious 
laborer  down  to  idleness,  poverty,  and  ruin.  Shall  no  voice, 
then,  be  lifted  up  to  warn,  threaten,  and  perchance  to  save, 
the  victim  of  that  far  more  insidious  and  equally  ruinous  foe, 
which  walks  hand  in  hand  with  pleasure,  is  sanctioned  by  fash- 
ion and  encouraged  by  wealth,  but  which  leaves  behind  it< 


168  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

when  its  easy  victory  is  won,  a  blighted  intellect,  a  shattered 
frame,  and  all  the  conscious  degradation  of  an  abused  and 
fallen  nature  ? 

Oh,  that  the  silent  and  secret  agony  which  has  wrung  so 
many  an  innocent  heart  could  find  for  itself  an  utterance ! 
that  the  voiceless  and  anguished  groan  of  the  repentant  spirit 
could  give  vent  to  its  warning  cry !  Then  might  the  youth 
just  launched  on  a  career  of  dissipation,  vice  and  folly,  be 
startled  betimes  by  the  fearful  knell  of  disappointed  hope,  which 
rings  out  from  the  shoals  and  quicksands  that  are  scattered 
amid  the  sea  of  pleasure. 

But,  alas !  the  ill-fated  victim  who  learns  his  first  lessens  in 
self-indulgence  within  the  charmed  ring  of  fashionable  conviv- 
iality, and  plunges  thence  into  the  deeper  haunts  of  iniquity 
and  vice,  comes  not  back  to  shake  the  skeleton  finger  at  those 
who  yet  linger  on  the  threshold.  Lost  to  self-respect,  and 
banished  from  the  courts  which  lured  him  on  to  ruin,  he  sinks 
into  disgraceful  oblivion,  while  the  hearts  that  his  misconduct 
has  broken,  betray  him  not  with  a  cry. 

It  was  no  sudden  bound  which  had  brought  Harry  to  the 
verge  of  this  dark  gulf.  Freedom  from  parental  restraint, 
unlimited  supplies  of  money,  and  a  naturally  gay  and  adventur- 
ous disposition,  had  early  exposed  him  to  the  temptations  which 
beset  boyhood  and  youth.  The  love  of  mischief  that  resulted 
in  his  banishment  from  West  Point,  had  been  succeeded  by 
a  course  of  foolish  extravagance,  which  was,  however,  in  some 
degree  checked  by  the  simple  mode  of  life  that  prevailed  in 
the  German  university  which  he  next  attended,  and  the  inter- 
est in  literary  and  scientific  pursuits  which  was  there  awakened. 
The  two  following  years  of  travel  served  to  make  him  well 
acquainted  with  men  and  manners ;  and  amid  the  various  trials 
and  tests  to  which  the  youth  was  subjected,  it  must  be  acknowl- 
edged that  he  sometimes  overleaped  the  bounds  of  prudence 
and  sobriety.  Fortunately  the  excitement  of  journeying,  and 
the  generous  aspirations  which  it  awakened,  furnished  a  vent 
to  the  ardor  and  impetuosity  of  his  disposition,  and  tempered 
the  exposures  which  threatened  him  on  every  hand ;  still  his 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  169 

character  became  gradually  marked  by  a  certain  recklessness 
and  self-indulgence  which  boded  ill  for  the  future. 

But  it  was  not  until  his  return  to  his  native  city  that  he  gave 
himself  up  to  a  life  of  pleasure,  and  relinquished  nobler  pur- 
suits for  the  petty  gratifications  of  the  day  and  hour.  Idleness, 
however,  the  difficulty  in  choosing  a  profession,  and  the  satiety 
of  his  present  mode  of  life,  all  combined  to  undermine  his 
strength  of  manly  purpose ;  while  his  convivial  traits  and  com- 
mand of  money,  caused  his  society  to  be  appreciated,  and  his 
presence  sought  by  those  who  were  alike  skilled  in  administer- 
ing flattery  and  in  contaminating  the  heart. 

The  point  where  a  man  loses  his  self-respect,  usually  pre- 
cedes that  in  which  he  loses  the  respect  of  others. 

Mabel  became  conscious  that  a  barrier  had  arisen  between 
herself  and  her  brother,  before  she  suspected  its  cause. 

Perhaps,  had  she  been  less  engaged  with  a  new  sentiment, 
she  would  have  felt  more  keenly  the  gradual  withdrawal  of 
Harry's  confidence,  and  would  have  probed  more  deeply  the 
secret  of  his  seemingly  diminished  affection ;  at  least,  she  would 
have  asked  herself  why  it  was  that  their  pleasures,  interests, 
and  tastes,  which  had  hitherto  lain  in  the  same  direction,  had 
ceased  to  be  in  harmony. 

As  it  was,  the  conviction  that  Harry  was  in  some  degree 
supplanted  in  her  own  heart,  forbade  her  to  question  too  closely 
any  want  of  devotion  on  his  part ;  and  if  she  occasionally  felt 
wounded  at  his  reposing  less  trust  in  her  than  formerly,  she 
doubted  her  right  to  complain  of  a  reserve  which  she  knew  to 
be  in  some  degree  mutual. 

But  if  the  consciousness  of  his  own  unworthiness  caused 
Harry  to  dread  his  sister's  scrutiny,  the  barrier  between  them 
was  doubled  now  that  she  had  come  to  share  this  knowledge. 
He  no  longer  had  occasion  to  avoid  the  eye  which  nervously 
shrunk  from  encountering  his,  or  dread  any  expression  of  those 
suspicions  on  her  part  which,  though  they  were  ever  on  the 
alert,  she  sought  only  to  hide  from  his  observation.  And  yet, 
while  Mabel  had  no  anxiety  so  great  as  to  conceal  from  him 
her  participation*^  his  fatal  secret^  her  very  anxiety  betrayed 

15 


170  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

her ;  and  lie  became  instinctively  conscious  that  his  innocent 
sister  was  suffering  for  his  misdeeds. 

The  consequence  was,  a  painful  and  daily  increasing  estrange- 
ment ;  not  the  estrangement  which  springs  from  harsh  looks, 
angry  words,  and  mutual  accusations  ;  there  were  none  of  these. 
Scarcely  less  bitter  to  Mabel's  heart,  however,  were  the  averted 
•n*  stealthy  glance,  the  unexplained  absence,  the  constrained 
silence,  or  the  ill-timed  hilarity,  which  proclaimed  a  mind  ill  at 
ease. 

How  far  Mr.  Vaughan  and  his  sister  shared  her  solicitude,  it 
was  difficult  to  determine.  The  former,  in  spite  of  his  daily 
increasing  abstraction  of  mind,  now  and  then  cast  on  his  son  a 
look  of  deep  concern  and  scrutiny ;  and  the  puzzled  air  with 
which  Sabiah  was  wont  to  regard  her  nephew,  occasionally 
gave  place  to  a  sharp  glance  of  reproof,  as  she  observed  his 
growing  indifference  to  the  happiness  and  convenience  of  the 
whole  household.  No  further  utterance,  however,  was  given  to 
their  thoughts,  nor  was  there  as  yet  any  positive  evidence  that 
the  indications  of  misconduct  in  Harry  had  not  wholly  escaped 
their  observation.  Still,  it  could  not  be  denied  that  an  air  of 
constraint  had  gradually  crept  over  the  family,  while  whatever 
might  be  the  apparent  subject  of  interest,  an  under  current  of 
feeling  evidently  pervaded  their  little  circle. 

To  shun  the  society  of  her  aunt  and  father  became  at  length 
scarcely  less  an  object  with  Mabel,  than  to  avoid  encountering 
the  eye  of  Harry.  She  never  paused  to  ask  herself  whether 
it  was  wise  or  right  to  shrink  from  meeting,  face  to  face,  the 
calamity  which  she  saw  no  way  to  avert;  but  blindly  following 
the  instinct  of  nature,  she  sought  to  flee  from  the  harrowing 
dread  which,  nevertheless,  pursued  her  like  a  shadow. 

Thus  she  now  rushed  more  recklessly  than  ever  into  that  life 
of  excitement  and  fashion  which,  in  reality,  had  lost  for  her 
the  charm  that  it  once  possessed,  seeking  in  the  gay  and  heart- 
less whirl  of  society  to  drown  the  bitter  *ears  and  forebodings 
which  pressed  painfully  upon  her  in  her  home. 
•  It  must  be  confessed,  too,  that  her  first  agony  of  regret  at 
Harry's  disgrace  had  been  succeeded  by  a  less  disinterested 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  171 

emotion,  as  she  thought  of  the  mortification  it  would  entail 
upon  herself;  and,  shrinking  from  the  companionship  of  her 
brother,  she  almost  unconsciously  gave  the  preference  to  those 
scenes  of  gaiety  from  which  he  would  be  sure  to  absent  him- 
self. 

The  time  had  been  when  Mabel  would  have  repelled  every 
pleasure  or  honor  which  Harry  might  not  share,  and  would 
have  scorned  to  possess  any  interest  distinct  and  separate  from 
his.  The  school-girl  of  six  months  ago  would  boldly  have 
declared,  that  in  the  face  of  all  the  world  she  and  her  brother 
would  fall  or  rise  together.  But  the  Mabel  of  to-day,  be  it 
remembered,  was  not  the  simple-hearted  pupil  of  Mrs.  Her- 
bert. She  had  recently  been  trained  in  another  school,  and 
had  unconsciously  imbibed  other  maxims.  It  was  not  the 
influence  of  fashionable  life ;  for  that,  though  it  might  engross 
her  time  with  frivolous  pursuits,  had  failed  to  corrupt  the 
generous  emotions  of  her  heart.  It  was  the  deeper,  subtler 
influence  of  one  who,  knowing  no  disinterested  sentiments, 
and  believing  the  rest  of  the  world  as  false  and  hollow  as  him- 
self, had  insidiously  contaminated  her  innocent  and  affectionate 
nature  with  that  refined  species  of  selfishness  which  shrinks 
from  contact  with  the  rough  edges  of  this  world's  experience, 
and  wards  off  with  shrinking  dread  the  realizing  sense  of 
aught  that  might  interfere  with  its  luxurious  repose. 

Thus  striving,  as  she  did,  to  free  herself  from  the  conse- 
quences of  Harry's  misconduct,  the  gulf  between  the  brother 
and  sister  was  widening  day  by  day;  and  Mabel,  if  not  aiding 
in  the  downfall  of  the  misguided  youth,  was  lending  no 
hand  to  rescue  him  from  ruin. 

Nor  did  she  escape  the  mortification  which  she  was  so 
anxious  to  evade*  Frequently  did  her  cheek  blanch,  and  the 
light  word  tremble  on  her  lip,  as  she  suddenly  became  con- 
scious of  Harry's  unexpected  presence  on  an  occasion  when 
she  had  least  apprehended  his  approach.  Sometimes  he  would 
enter  the  assembly-room  at  a  late  hour,  his  face  flushed  with 
wine,  and  his  voice  elevated  a  pitch  above  its  usual  tone ; 
sometimes  she  would  meet  him  on  her  drives,  careering 


172  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

through  one  of  the  avenues  in  an  open  gig,  drawn  by  a  steed 
noted  on  the  race-course ;  and  more  than  once  he  had  attracted 
attention  to  her  opera-box,  by  the  boisterous  conversation  and 
merriment  with  which  he  had  disturbed  the  rest  of  the  au- 
dience. 

In  the  eyes  of  some  of  Mabel's  fashionable  companions 
these  might  be  evidences  of  spirit ;  but  —  to  her  credit  be  it 
said  —  her  good  sense,  no  less  than  her  sensitive  affection, 
were  keenly  alive  to  the  disgrace  and  censure  which  they 
merited. 

Such  experiences,  and  the  apprehension  of  them,  were  suffi- 
cient to  cloud  her  joyousness.  But  this  was  not  all.  Other 
evils  soon  followed  in  their  train.  Mabel's  excitable,  and  appa- 
rently inconsistent  demeanor,  exposed  her  to  misconstruction, 
and  that,  too,  in  a  quarter  where  she  was  most  anxious  that 
her  conduct  should  be  favorably  interpreted.  In  the  early 
stages  of  her  acquaintance  with  Dudley,  when  he  merely 
sought  a  mental  stimulus  in  the  satisfaction  of  awakening  her 
genius  and  developing  her  intellectual  nature,  he  had  felt  no 
disposition  to  put  a  check  upon  her  lighter  enjoyments,  and 
had  been  coolly  indifferent  to  competition.  But,  in  proportion 
as  he  realized  the  power  he  had  gained  over  her  mind  and 
heart,  did  he  become  jealous  of  any  interference,  real  or 
imaginary.  He  made  no  open  profession  of  that  deeper 
interest  with  which  she  had  inspired  him  —  an  interest  which 
had  awakened  in  his  sophisticated  soul  something  like  a  ge- 
nuine emotion.  He  even  refused  to  acknowledge  to  himself 
the  force  of  the  feelings  by  which  he  was  actuated.  Their 
manifestation,  however,  took  precisely  the  form  which  might 
have  been  anticipated  from  one  of  his  distrustful  character ; 
and  often  did  Mabel  find  herself  controlled  by  a  jealous  tyranny 
which  she  could  not  understand,  or  grieved  by  a  displeasure 
for  which  she  could  not  account.  It  was  easy,  however,  to 
submit  to  a  tyranny  which  usually  took  the  form  of  watchful 
devotion,  and  to  allay  a  displeasure  which  was  seldom  more 
than  momentary;  and  until  the  period  when  Mabel's  mind 


MABEL   VAUGHAN.  173 

became  harassed  by  contending  emotions,  no  serious  cause  of 
alienation  had  arisen  between  herself  and  Dudley. 

But  experience  now  proved  that,  although  there  was  no  one 
who  could  so  effectually  win  her  from  the  painful  thoughts  by 
which  she  was  oppressed,  Dudley  was  not  her  most  efficient 
aid  in  moments  of  sudden  agitation.  Her  only  refuge,  then, 
was  in  assumed  gaiety ;  and  it  often  happened  that  there  was 
an  individual  in  her  vicinity  who  possessed  at  once  the  ability 
and  the  will  to  second  her  efforts  at  animation,  and  afford  her 
the  most  easy  and  obvious  means  of  concealing  and  overcoming 
her  mortification  and  chagrin.  This  was  a  young  man  of  lively 
temperament,  unfailing  spirits,  and  proverbial  good  nature,  who 
was  ever  ready  to  join  in  a  playful  war  of  words,  laugh  at  a 
pleasant  joke,  or  take  the  lead  in  those  popular  and  fashionable 
dances  in  which  he  excelled.  These  available  qualities  were 
always  at  Mabel's  disposal,  for  Mr.  Marston  was  one  of  a 
numerous  throng  who  perseveringly  sought  to  render  them- 
selves acceptable  to  the  belle  of  the  season. 

Anxious  only  to  maintain  her  composure,  at  any  cost,  Mabel 
did  not  realize  the  undue  encouragement  she  was  bestowing 
on  her  highly  flattered  admirer,  or  the  severity  with  which 
Dudley  inwardly  commented  upon  her  coquetry  and  frivolity. 

One  evening,  however,  when,  being  more  than  usually 
oppressed  by  anxiety,  she  had  sought  to  divert  her  feelings 
and  ward  off  the  observation  of  others,  by  accepting  Mr. 
Marston's  invitation  to  join  in  a  rapid  and  giddy  dance,  she 
was  startled,  on  coming  to  a  pause,  by  perceiving  Dudley 
standing  directly  opposite  to  her,  with  an  expression  of  unmis- 
takable scorn  upon  his  features,  while  Harry  was  at  the  same 
moment  rendering  himself  conspicuous,  by  bestowing  upon 
Miss  Vannecker,  in  an  audible  tone,  a  series  of  absurd  com- 
pliments, which  he  would  never  have  uttered  in  his  sober 
senses. 

Half  fainting  from  a  conflict  of  painful  emotions,  she  sank 
upon  a  chair,  and  her  agitation  reached  its  height  when  Dud- 
ley crossed  the  room,  and  addressed  her  in  the  sarcastic  tone 
which  he  so  well  knew  how  to  assume :  "  Miss  Vaughan," 

15* 


174  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

said  he,  "I  am  glad  to  see  you  in  such  spirits  to-night; 
the  recollection  of  your  animated  enjoyment  of  this  scene  will 
cheer  me  during  my  absence  from  the  city."  And  with  a 
frigid  bow  he  left  the  room. 

He  despises  me,  thought  Mabel,  for  my  frivolity  and  seem- 
ing indifference  to  what  every  one  must  perceive.  But,  too 
proud  to  bend  beneath  the  weight  of  his  displeasure,  she 
returned  his  salutation  with  haughty  coldness,  and  accepted 
Mr.  Marston's  invitation  to  take  another  turn  in  the  dance. 

Bitter,  almost  heart-breaking,  were  Mabel's  reflections  that 
night.  For  the  first  time,  she  began  to  doubt  the  wisdom,  the 
propriety  even,  of  the  course  she  had  thought  proper  to  adopt, 
in  order  to  veil  her  actual  sufferings  from  the  eye  of  the  world. 
Even  Dudley,  thought  she,  believes  me  heartless ;  for  attri- 
buting to  him  a  worthier  motive  than  that  by  which  he  was 
really  actuated,  she  never  doubted  that  it  was  his  warm  friend- 
ship for  Harry  which  caused  him  to  be  shocked  at  her  levity  ; 
nor  dreamed  that  it  was  an  overwrought  and  involuntary  jeal- 
ousy on  his  own  account,  which  prompted  his  sarcastic  com- 
ment upon  her  apparent  enjoyment  of  Mr.  Marston's  society. 

And  thus  mistaking,  as  she  did,  the  cause  of  his  disappro- 
bation, nothing  could  exceed  her  regret  at  having  given  offence 
to  the  friend  who,  valued  as  he  had  long  been,  was  never  so 
deeply  prized  as  in  this  her  time  of  painful  and  humiliating 
sorrow.  His  desertion  of  her  at  this  crisis  seemed  more  than 
she  could  bear. 

Disappointed  in  her  brother,  blamed  and  forsaken  by  him 
whose  voice  had  hitherto  been  a  charm  against  utter  despon- 
dency, and  dreading  the  watchful  eyes  of  her  father  and 
aunt,  she  dared  not  fathom  her  own  unhappiness ;  but,  con- 
tinuing her  customary  round  of  engagements,  performed  her 
part  with  automaton  accuracy,  masking  her  face  in  smiles,  and 
crushing  down  the  emotions  to  which  she  dared  not  give  way. 


CHAPTER    XVI. 

Humble  love, 

And  not  proud  science,  keeps  the  door  of  Heaven ; 
Love  finds  admission  where  proud  science  fails. 


YOUNG. 


DURING  the  fortnight  that  Dudley  continued  absent  from 
the  city,  which  was  also  the  limit  of  his  estrangement  from 
Mabel,  the  only  companionship  from  which  she  obtained  any 
relief  was  that  of  her  sister's  children.  Her  efforts  to  win  the 
affections  of  the  boys  had  not  been  without  success ;  and  each 
in  his  way  gave  evidence  of  a  strength  of  attachment  to  their 
young  aunt,  which  she,  in  her  turn,  reciprocated  with  all  the 
warmth  of  a  loving  heart.  The  shout  of  joy  with  which  Mur- 
ray hailed  her  presence,  was  only  equalled  by  the  glow  of 
unspoken  pleasure  which  overspread  the  face  of  Alick,  and 
their  mutual  admiration  of  their  aunt  Mabel  was  the  one  point 
on  which  they  never  disagreed.  Murray's  restlessness  sub- 
sided into  happy,  childish  enjoyment,  when  he  was  permitted 
to  climb  her  knee  at  the  twilight  hour,  and  prattle  to  her  of 
the  events  of  the  day ;  and  nothing  made  him  so  supremely 
happy,  as  to  fall  asleep  at  night  with  his  hand  locked  fast 
in  hers.  Often,  while  he  was  visiting  at  his  grandfather's, 
had  Mabel  loitered  from  the  fashionable  dinner  party  to  listen 
to  the  little  nothings  which  he  was  so  eager  to  impart; 
and  more  than  once  her  rich  evening  dress  had  swept  the 
carpet  while  she  knelt  beside  his  couch  and  soothed  his  infant 
slumbers.  Both  nature  and  habit  had  made  Alick  independent 
of  caresses ;  but  the  gratified  look  with  which  he  glanced  up 
from  his  book  the  first  time  she  questioned  him  upon  the  sub- 
ject of  his  reading,  had  taught  her  the  way  to  his  heart,  and  the 
boy  never  again  had  reason  to  complain  that  no  one  was  inter- 
ested in  his  pleasure  and  improvement. 


176  MABEL    VAUGHJLN. 

She  had  her  reward.  Childish  love  is  a  refreshing  balm  to 
the  soul ;  arid  nothing  so  quieted  her  restless  spirit  as  to  fed 
around  her  the  pressure  of  Murray's  little  arms,  and  observe 
the  sturdy  manliness  with  which  Alick,  on  all  occasions,  ap- 
pointed himself  her  attendant  and  champion. 

She  had  nothing  to  dread,  moreover,  in  her  intercourse  with 
the  children.  They  would  neither  suspect  her  uneasiness,  nor 
seek  to  pry  into  its  source,  and  experiencing  a  sense  of  security 
in  their  presence,  Mabel  availed  herself  of  their  society  on 
every  possible  occasion. 

One  Sunday  they  accompanied  her  home  from  church  after 
the  morning  service,  and,  the  early  dinner  being  concluded, 
followed  her,  with  their  pockets  full  of  nuts,  into  the  little 
apartment  adjoining  the  drawing-room,  which  she  could  never 
enter  now  without  feelings  of  inexpressible  sadness.  The  boys 
seated  themselves  in  the  window  and  commenced  eating  their 
nuts,  while  Mabel  wandered  listlessly  about  the  room,  reading, 
in  its  abundant  decorations,  the  evidences  of  Harry's  affection, 
and  wondering  where  he  might  be  spending  the  Sabbath,  for 
she  had  not  seen  him  since  morning. 

She  paused  in  front  of  her  richly  inlaid  writing-desk,  and, 
lifting  the  lid,  took  up  a  little  heap  of  letters  recently  received 
from  her  former  teacher  and  schoolmates.  They  were  in  reply 
to  some  she  had  written  a  few  weeks  ago  in  all  the  extravagance 
of  youthful  spirits,  and  their  tone  grated  strangely  on  her  pres- 
ent feelings.  The  dear  girls  congratulated  and  envied  her,  and 
her  beloved  friend,  Mrs.  Herbert,  believing  her  to  be  happy, 
wrote  only  a  brief  message  of  affection,  sympathizing  in  the 
pleasures  of  her  lot,  and  gently  cautioning  her  not  to  be  too 
confident  of  their  continuance.  Alas!  the  caution  came  too 
late. 

She  closed  the  desk,  and  taking  a  book  threw  herself  upon 
the  sofa  and  tried  to  read ;  but  her  mind  wandered  from  the 
page,  and,  after  indulging  a  long  fit  of  gloomy  meditation,  she 
rose  and  walked  to  the  window,  where  the  children  were  watch- 
ing the  numerous  passers  by.  The  day,  though  cold,  was  clear 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  177 

and  bright,  and  the  family  groups  that  moved  through  the 
street  formed  a  pleasant  picture. 

"Should  you  like  to  take  a  walk?"  asked  she,  moved  by  a 
sudden  impulse  to  run  away  from  her  thoughts. 

The  proposition  was  hailed  with  acclamations  of  delight. 
The  boys  ran  for  their  coats  and  hats,  while  Mabel  prepared 
for  the  excursion  with  an  air  of  indifference  strangely  at  vari- 
ance with  her  once  elastic  movements.  They  had  proceeded 
some  distance  down  one  of  the  avenues,  without  any  special 
destination  in  view,  when  Alick  suddenly  exclaimed,  UO 
Aunt  Mabel,  why  can't  we  go  and  see  Rosy  ?  " 

"  We  can,"  said  Mabel,  "  if  it  will  not  be  too  long  a  walk  for 
Murray." 

Murray  protested  against  the  possibility  of  his  being  fatigued, 
and  they  at  once  took  the  direction  toward  Mrs.  Hope's  humble 
dwelling.  The  quarter  in  which  she  lived  was  poor,  but 
respectable  and  orderly,  and  they  reached  the  house  without 
adventure,  though  not  without  attracting  the  attention  of  the 
neighborhood,  who  seldom  had  an  opportunity  to  witness  (he 
dress  and  bearing  of  the  wealthier  classes.  They  found  the 
windows  of  the  little  shop  closed,  with  wooden  shutters ;  and 
the  door,  too,  was  fastened ;  so  that  Mabel's  repeated  knocks 
were  unanswered.  Disappointed  at  having  come  so  far  to  no 
purpose,  and  fearful  that  some  misfortune  had  befallen  the 
family,  she  looked  about  her  to  find,  if  possible,  some  other 
mode  of  entrance  —  and,  at  length,  proceeding  to  the  end  of  the 
building,  discovered  a  IOAV,  dark  alley,  which  appeared  to  lead 
to  the  rear  of  the  dilapidated  tenement. 

She  felt  some  hesitation  in  entering  this  unexplored  passage- 
way, but  it  was  no  part  of  her  character  to  be  turned  from  a 
worthy  purpose  by  the  indulgence  of  idle  fears,  and  bidding 
the  children  follow  her  closely,  she  penetrated  to  the  extremity 
of  the  alley,  and  found  herself  in  a  narrow  yard,  enclosed  by 
mouldy  walls  of  brick,  encumbered  with  rubbish,  but  extending, 
as  she  had  conjectured,  across  the  rear  of  the  entire  building. 
Several  doors  opened  upon  this  common  court-yard,  and  she 
was  at  a  loss  to  distinguish  that  qf  Mrs.  Hope,  when  the  widow 


178  MABEL   VAUGHAN 

herself  emerged  from  one  of  them  with  a  pail  in  her  hand,  and 
was  proceeding  in  the  direction  of  the  pump  that  stood  against 
the  wall ;  but  seeing  and  recognizing  Mabel,  she  gave  a  quick 
start  of  surprise,  and,  setting  down  her  pail,  came  to  meet  her, 
with  an  air  of  mingled  pleasure  and  embarrassment. 

The  latter  feeling  partially  subsided,  as  Mabel  made  haste  to 
apologize  for  her  seemingly  clandestine  entrance,  and  inquired 
with  cordial  interest  concerning  Mrs.  Hope's  welfare,  and  that 
of  Rose. 

"  Hose  is  pretty  well,  just  now,  for  her,"  said  the  widow. 
"  She  '11  be  right  glad  to  see  you,  Miss  Vaughan.  She 's  got 
her  little  Sunday-school  in  the  back  room  this  afternoon,  and  I 
suppose  it  was  their  singing  that  drowned  your  knock ;  they  Ve 
got  considerable  voice,  little  tots  as  they  are.  They  are  most 
through  now ;  walk  in,  Miss  Vaughan,  it's  a  sort  of  a  pretty 
sight.  You  wont  disturb  them,"  added  she,  observing  that 
Mabel  hesitated — and,  stepping  within  the  woodshed  at  the 
rear  of  her  own  contracted  tenement,  she  threw  open  the  door 
of  the  kitchen,  and  motioned  to  Mabel  to  advance  as  far  as  the 
threshold. 

She  did  so  without  attracting  observation,  and,  holding  up 
her  finger,  she  enforced  silence  upon  the  boys,  who  also  pressed 
forward  and  peeped  in. 

Rose  was  seated  in  her  little  arm-chair  in  the  centre  of  the 
room,  and  around  her  were  grouped  some  half  dozen  children, 
none  of  whom  could  have  been  more  than  seven  or  eight  years 
of  age.  Their  eyes  were  fixed  upon  Rose's  face,  while  she  re- 
peated, slowly  and  distinctly,  the  last  verse  of  the  hymn  they 
were  singing.  It  ran  thus : 

Bright  in  that  happy  land 

Beams  every  eye ; 
Fed  by  the  Father's  hand, 

Love  cannot  die ; 
Oh !  we  shall  happy  be, 
When,  from  sin  and  sorrow  free, 
Lord,  we  shall  reign  with  thce, 

Blest,  blestj  for  aye. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  179 

As  Rose  spoke  the  last  word,  the  children  commenced  sing- 
ing. It  was  sweet  and  touching  to  hear  their  childish  voices 
uniting  in  the  simple  melody  which  Rose  had  taught  them. 
But  it  was  sweeter  and  more  touching  still  to  see  them,  when 
the  hymn  was  finished,  assume  a  kneeling  posture,  and  repeat 
after  her  the  words  of  the  little  closing  prayer  with  which  they 
were  accustomed  to  separate. 

The  tears  started  to  Mabel's  eyes,  and  with  instinctive  def- 
erence to  the  solemnity  of  the  service,  she  retreated  at  its  con- 
clusion, and,  drawing  Alick  and  Murray  back  into  the  outer 
shed,  closed  the  door  noiselessly,  that  the  little  company  might 
not  be  conscious  of  intrusion. 

"They're  mostly  German  children,"  said  Mrs.  Hope  to 
Mabel,  in  explanation;  "this  is  a  German  neighborhood, 
rather ;  they  can't  get  much  education  in  the  schools  for  want 
of  knowing  the  language.  Rosy  first  taught  them  English,  and 
then  how  to  read  and  say  their  prayers ;  singing  comes  natural 
to  'em  That  makes  fifteen  she 's  taught,  and  some  of  'em  are 
bigger  than  she  is,  poor  child.  It  aint  much,"  added  the  mother 
with  a  meditative  air,  "  but  then  it's  better  than  nothing,  to  be 
sure  ;  and  it  makes  Rose  happy." 

"  Better  than  nothing ! "  exclaimed  Mabel  earnestly,  "  yes, 
indeed,  it  is  everything." 

And  Mabel  felt  what  she  said.  In  that  moment  of  excited 
feelings,  the  wealth,  the  learning,  and  the  pride  of  this  world 
sank  into  nothingness,  in  comparison  with  the  pure  and  child- 
like faith  which  takes  hold  on  eternal  life. 

Alick  and  Murray  were  no  less  impressed  than  Mabel,  as 
was  evident  from  their  awe-struck  silence  and  inquiring  faces ; 
there  was  no  opportunity,  however,  for  any  further  expression 
of  interest,  for  a  confused  murmur  within  the  room  was  fol- 
lowed by  the  sudden  exit  of  the  little  band  of  children,  who, 
after  casting  curious  and  lingering  glances  at  Mabel  and  her 
nephews,  dispersed  in  different  directions  —  while  Mrs.  Hope 
ushered  the  freshly  arrived  visitors  into  her  neat  though  hum- 
ble kitchen. 

Rose,  somewhat  exhausted  with  her  labors,  had  thrown  her- 


180  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

self  back  in  her  chair,  but  she  revived  at  sight  of  Mabel,  and 
exclaimed  with  fervor,  "  O  dear  Miss  Mabel,  how  glad  I  am 
to  see  you ! " 

It  was  with  something  like  reverence  that  Mabel  seated  her- 
self beside  Rose  on  a  low  stool,  from  which  one  of  the  children 
had  just  risen,  and  taking  her  little  shrunken  hand,  pressed  it 
with  affectionate  fervor. 

"  I  am  glad  to  see  you  looking  so  well,  Rose,"  said  she,  gazing 
into  the  child's  face  with  a  warm  expression  of  interest.  "  She 
really  has  a  color  in  her  cheeks,"  observed  she  to  Mrs.  Hope, 
who  stood  watching  Rose's  countenance  with  mingled  pleasure 
and  anxiety. 

"  Yes,"  replied  the  widow,  with  some  hesitation,  "  I  'm  afraid 
it  ain't  quite  natural,  though;  she's  apt  to  be  feverish  about 
this  time  of  day." 

"  You  are  tired.  Rose,  with  teaching  your  little  class,"  said 
Mabel.  "  It  is  too  much  for  your  strength,  I  think." 

"  Oh,  no !  "  exclaimed  Rose,  eagerly.  "  It  is  very  easy  teach- 
ing them — I  love  to."  And  then,  as  if  anxious  to  turn  the 
conversation  from  herself,  she  addressed  numerous  inquiries  to 
Alick  and  Murray,  both  of  whom  had  pressed  close  to  her 
side,  asking  them  concerning  Lydia,  their  mamma,  and  the 
mode  in  which  they  had  come  thither.  Now  and  then  she 
turned  her  smiling  countenance  upon  Mabel,  with  deep  and 
admiring  affection,  her  glance  in  some  degree  expressing  the 
two-fold  happiness  which  she  experienced  in  the  presence  of 
one  in  whom  her  own  loving  nature  recognized  a  kindred  spirit, 
while  the  appreciation  of  the  beautiful,  which  was  inherent  in 
the  little  invalid,  found  in  this  new  friend  the  perfect  and  only 
illustration  of  its  ideal. 

It  was  with  mingled  emotions  that  Mabel  perceived  the  in- 
fluence she  exercised.  As  she  met  the  admiring  glance  of 
Rose,  a  glow  of  self-satisfaction  overspread  her  face,  such  as 
all  the  flatteries  of  the  ball-room  could  not  call  up.  But  this 
sentiment  of  gratified  vanity  was  chastened  and  subdued  by 
an  unwonted  sense  of  un worthiness,  which  forced  itself  upon 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  181 

her  as  she  compared  her  own  aimless  life  with  the  self-devotion 
of  the  invalid  child. 

This  latter  sentiment  asserted  itself  still  more  strongly  before 
the  conclusion  of  the  visit. 

The  little  company  were  met  together  on  more  free  and 
familiar  terms  than  on  the  occasion  of  their  first  becoming  ac- 
quainted. Mabel's  easy  cordiality  disarmed  all  embarrassment 
and  reserve,  and  even  the  awkward  constraint  of  the  widow 
Hope  was  not  proof  against  the  considerate  kindness  of  her 
manner.  Thus  the  conversation  became  brisk  and  general, 
the  contrast  in  social  position  was  well-nigh  forgotten,  and  the 
previous  good  understanding  of  the  parties  was  ripening  into 
the  confidence  of  friendship. 

Something  of  Mrs.  Hope's  family  history  was  elicited,  some 
reminiscences  of  her  better  days  were  called  up,  and  her  hopes 
and  fears  for  the  future  welfare  of  herself  and  family,  touched 
upon.  Rose's  week-day  employments,  and  her  Sabbath  labors 
and  pleasures,  were  enumerated  and  discussed,  and  Jack  was 
for  the  first  time  brought  to  Mabel's  knowledge,  through  the 
frequent  mention  which  was  made  of  him. 

Into  all  this  Mabel  entered  with  ready  interest,  while  a 
corresponding  sympathy  was  expressed  in  return,  in  the  coun- 
tenances of  both  Rose  and  Mrs.  Hope,  when  allusion  was 
incidentally  made  to  the  circumstance  of  her  having  been 
motherless  from  her  childhood. 

Alick,  meanwhile,  was  content  to  listen  to  the  conversation, 
but  Murray,  not  satisfied  with  playing  the  part  of  a  silent  spec- 
tator, began  to  look  about  him  for  amusement ;  and,  espying 
on  the  table  an  exceedingly  ragged  and  shabby-looking  book, 
he  tossed  it  on  the  floor,  and  commenced  kicking  it  contemptu- 
ously from  one  end  of  the  kitchen  to  the  other.  Observing 
Rose's  eye  wander  towards  him,  Mabel  turned,  saw  the  nature 
of  his  occupation,  and  starting  forward,  checked  his  play  and 
rescued  the  volume,  at  the  same  time  saying,  good-naturedly, 

"  Murray,  do  n't  kick  the  poor  old  book.     I  'm  afraid  you 
have  no  respect  for  age,  my  dear." 
16 


182  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

Rose  smiled.  "  It  has  clone  good  service,"  said  she.  "  Per- 
haps I  like  it  better  for  that." 

Mabel  opened  it ;  it  was  an  ancient  copy  of  "  Pilgrim's  Pro- 
gress." As  she  turned  over  the  leaves  she  directed  Alick's 
attention  to  the  fact,  that  it  was  a  copy  of  the  same  work  she 
had  bought  for  him,  at  his  own  request,  a  few  weeks  before, 
when  he  chanced  to  be  with  her  in  a  bookstore  and  took  a 
fancy  to  the  richly-bound  and  beautifully  illustrated  book. 

"  Mine  ain't  like  that,"  said  he,  with  rude  disdain ;  "  Mine  is 
handsome — that  is  a  real  ugly  old  thing." 

As  he  finished  speaking,  his  quick  eye  detected  the  mortifi- 
cation which  Rose's  face  evinced  at  his  unflattering  compari- 
son ;  and,  regretting  his  thoughtlessness,  he  at  once  endeavored 
to  atone  for  it,  by  exclaiming  — 

"  Rose  ought  to  have  one  like  mine,  aunt  Mabel." 

"  She  shall  have  one,"  said  Mabel,  unhesitatingly.  "  I  will 
bring  you  one  like  Alick's,  with  pleasure,  Rose,  if  you  would 
like  it." 

Rose  smiled  pensively,  but  with  evident  satisfaction. 

Alick's  face  glowed  with  delight  as,  without  giving  Rose 
time  to  reply,  he  proceeded  to  expatiate  to  her  upon  the  rich 
binding,  gilt-edged  leaves,  and  illuminated  margins  of  the  vol- 
ume she  was  to  possess. 

"  Sha  n't  you  like  it,  Rose  ?  "  said  he,  when  he  had  finished 
the  description. 

"  Will  it  cost  much  ?  "  asked  Rose,  thoughtfully. 

"  Oh,  yes ! "  said  Alick,  confidently. 

"  As  much,"  said  Rose,  looking  at  Mabel,  and  at  the  same 
time  taking  up  a  well-worn  testament  which  lay  beside  her, 
and  a  few  stray  leaves  from  a  primer, — "As  much  as  two  new 
ones  like  these  would  cost  ?  " 

"  As  much  as  half  a  dozen  like  each  of  those,"  replied  Mabel, 
a  little  astonished  at  the  question. 

"  Oh ! "  exclaimed  Rose,  with  deep-drawn  breath,  "  I  should 
rather  have  them."  Then,  the  excitement  of  her  tone  sub- 
siding, she  added,  with  slight  hesitation,  "  But  perhaps  I  ought 
not  to  be  the  one  to  choose." 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  183 

"  Yes,  you  ought,"  replied  Mabel,  while  Alick  looked  greatly 
disappointed.  "  You  shall  have  whichever  you  please,  or  both." 

"  Oh,  yes,  both ! "  said  Alick,  with  a  relieved  and  brightened 
expression  of  countenance. 

"  No,  not  both,"  said  Rose,  with  unmistakable  decision.  Her 
practical  mind,  trained  in  the  school  of  necessity,  had  seen  no 
impropriety  in  suggesting  the  change,  but  her  deeply  sensitive 
nature  recoiled  from  voluntarily  placing  herself  under  a  double 
obligation. 

"  You  shall  have  your  own  way,  Rose,"  said  Mabel,  who  had 
been  watching  her  face  with  intense  interest. 

"  Then  I  should  like  the  testament  and  primers,  best,"  said 
Rose.  "  These  are  all  we  have  had  to  read  and  study  in,  Sun- 
day afternoons,  and  they  are  almost  worn  out.  The  little  chil- 
dren can't  read  mother's  bible,  because  the  long  ff 's  puzzle 
them  so ;  how  glad  they  will  be  to  have  each  a  testament  of 
their  own  —  and  how  good  you  are,  Miss  Mabel." 

"  I  good ! "  exclaimed  Mabel,  with  the  deepest  sense  of  hu- 
mility she  had  ever  known,  "  It  is  nothing  for  me  to  furnish 
the  books,  but  how  much  they  owe  to  you,  Rosy  ?  "  And  rising 
from  her  low  seat  and  drawing  her  fur  mantle  around  her,  as 
if  about  to  depart,  she  stooped  down  and  imprinted  a  kiss  upon 
Rose's  forehead,  the  action  at  the  same  time  serving  to  hide 
the  emotion  which  had  been  excited  by  the  child's  unhesitating 
generosity. 

"  Is  there  nothing  else  I  can  bring  you  ?  "  asked  she.  "  Can 
not  you  think  of  something  that  you  could  relish — something 
that  would  relieve  you  when  you  felt  feverish  at  night  ?  " 

"  Oranges ! "  shouted  Murray,  from  a  corner  of  the  room, 
where  he  had  seated  himself  astride  of  one  of  the  low  stools. 
Murray  had  but  one  pleasant  association  with  fevers  and  sick 
rooms,  and  that  was  oranges.  Every  body  smiled,  and  Mabel 
availed  herself  of  the  suggestion. 

"  I  will  bring  her  some  oranges,  certainly,"  said  she,  glancing 
at  Mrs.  Hope,  "  if  you  think  they  would  be  wholesome  for  her. 

"  I  dare  say  they  might  be  refreshing,"  said  Mrs.  Hope ; 
"  she  usually  has  a  pretty  hot  spell  towards  morning.  I  tell 


184  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

her  it  would  not  be  so  if  she  'd  go  to  bed  early,  and  not  have 
any  excitementeevenings ;  but  she  sits  up,  playing  jack-straws 
and  so  on,  and  sometimes  after  she 's  in  bed  Jack  props  her  up 
with  one  thing  and  another,  and  there  she  stays  working  out 
puzzles,  and  models,  and  I  do  n't  know  what  they  call  'em,  until 
her  poor  back  aches  and  she  can't  go  to  sleep." 

Rose  looked  uneasily  at  her  mother  as  she  entered  this  com- 
plaint, and  Mabel  glanced  inquiringly  at  Hose,  surprised  at  a 
charge  which  seemed  to  intimate  a  want  of  prudence  and  do- 
cility in  the  youthful  invalid. 

"  You  should  not  do  that,  Rose,"  said  she,  as  with  both  her 
soft  hands  she  smoothed  the  light  hair  from  the  child's  trans- 
parent temples.  "  Do  you  like  games  and  puzzles  so  much  ?  " 

"  Jack  does,"  said  Rose,  in  a  soft,  meaning  whisper,  meant 
only  for  Mabel's  ear. 

The  words  penetrated  to  the  heart  of  the  listener.  There  was 
a  depth  of  sisterly  love,  and  a  power  of  self-sacrifice  expressed 
in  that  simple  utterance,  which  were  irresistibly  touching  in 
one  whose  feebleness  might  seem  to  excuse  her  from  all  respon- 
sibility. 

Mabel  felt  the  full  force  of  the  example,  which  was  to  her, 
at  once,  a  lesson  and  a  reproach.  For  a  moment  she  stood 
gazing  at  Rose,  as  if  striving  to  read  in  her  face  the  secret  of 
that  divine  strength  which  was  victorious  over  the  infirmities 
of  the  flesh;  then,  at  a  loss  for  words,  and  afraid  perhaps  of 
betraying  how  deeply  she  was  moved,  she  made  haste  to  bid 
her  farewell ;  and  the  boys  having  also  taken  leave  of  the  little 
invalid,  they  all  followed  Mrs.  Hope  into  the  shop,  from 
whence,  having  unbarred  the  front  door,  she  ushered  them  into 
the  street.  Before  taking  her  leave,  Mabel  begged  that  she 
might  be  kept  informed  through  Lydia  of  Rpse's  state  of  health, 
and  be  applied  to  without  reserve  if  there  was  any  way  in  which 
she  could  minister  to  her  comfort. 

The  day  was  fast  drawing  to  a  close,  and  after  accompanying 
her  little  nephews  to  the  hotel,  Mabel  proceeded  with  haste  to- 
wards her  own  home. 

"What  a  change  had  two  short  hours  effected  in  her  air,  her 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  185 

countenance,  and  her  thoughts !  She  had  gone  forth  excited, 
restless,  and  unhappy,  and  thus,  also,  she  returned;  but 
how  chastened,  subdued,  and  changed,  were  all  these  emotions ! 
Then,  she  was  excited  by  vehement  regrets,  restless  with  vain 
longings,  and  unhappy  from  disappointed  hopes.  Now,  her 
spirit  was  disturbed,  but  it  was  by  a  new  revelation  of  things 
hitherto  unseen  ;  she  was  eager  and  uneasy,  but  it  was  with  a 
vague  longing  to  rise  above  her  former  self;  she  was  dissatis- 
fied, but  it  was  the  discontent  whose  fruit  is  repentance  unto 
life  eternal. 

How  soft,  how  gentle  was  the  voice  which  had  thus  uncon- 
sciously roused  a  sleeping  conscience !  It  was  no  startling 
warning,  no  stern  alarum,  which  had  awed  and  bewildered  the 
trembling  soul.  It  was  but  the  soft  breathing  of  a  loving 
heart,  giving  utterance  to  the  gentlest  tones ;  but  a  still  small 
voice  within  responded  to  the  whisper,  and  thenceforth  could 
not  be  silenced.  She  might  resist  it,  —  she  did  resist  it,  —  for 
earthly  temptations  are  strong,  and  heavenly  impulses  brief 
and  evanescent.  But  it  came  again,  an  unw3lcome  intruder 
on  her  gayer  hours,  a  patient  supplicant  pleading  with  her  in 
her  solitude.  Like  an  angel  sitting  at  the  gate,  warding  off  all 
hostile  influences  and  ever  waiting  to  be  heard,  it  silently,  se- 
cretly gathered  strength  for  the  hour  when  the  heart  should  be 
aroused  by  its  trumpet-call,  when  the  conflict  should  be  ended, 
and  the  victory  won. 


CHAPTER    XVII, 

But  deeper  signs 
Than  the  radient  blush  of  beauty, 

The  maiden  finds, 
"Whenever  his  name  is  heard ;  — 

The  young  heart  thrills, 
Forgetting  herself,  —  her  duty,  — 

Her  dark  eye  fills, 
And  her  pulse  with  hope  is  stirred. 

MRS.  OSGOOD. 

WHILE  under  the  influence  of  her  visit  to  Rosy,  and  while 
actuated  by  the  gentle  charities  it  had  awakened,  Mabel  made 
more  than  one  effort  to  recover  her  former  influence  with 
Harry,  and  regain  his  confidence. 

She  met  with  partial  success.  He  seemed,  at  once,  touched 
and  pained  by  the  revival  of  those  little  sisterly  attentions, 
which  had  of  late  been  carelessly  performed,  or  wholly  omit- 
ted. Occasionally,  he  manifested  something  of  his  old  pleasure 
in  her  society ;  but  in  other  instances,  hurried  away,  as  if  her 
presence  were  an  unwelcome  restraint.  He  avoided  the  slightest 
.reference  to  his  late  irregularities  of  conduct,  but  at  the  same 
time  hesitated  not  to  express  a  deep  disgust  and  weariness  with 
what  he  termed  New  York  life. 

Sisterly  sympathy  and  perseverance  on  Mabel's  part,  might, 
in  time,  have  done  much  toward  restoring  the  confidential  rela- 
tions which  had  been  wont  to  subsist  between  them ;  but  it  must 
be  confessed,  she  soon  met  with  a  signal  discouragement  to  her 
efforts. 

She  had  returned  home  at  a  late  hour  one  evening,  had 
learned  from  the  footman  that  Harry  had  not  come  in,  and 
feeling  herself  oppressed  w'nh  more  than  usual  anxiety,  had 
determined  to  await  his  arrival  before  retiring  to  rest.  Youth, 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  187 

however,  craves  its  season  of  refreshment,  and  weariness  grad- 
ually overpowering  her  senses,  she  threw  herself  upon  a  couch 
in  her  own  room  and  fell  asleep. 

She  was  awakened  some  hours  later  by  the  shuffling  of  feet 
out-side  her  chamber  door,  accompanied  by  a  confused  and 
noisy  altercation.  Starting  up,  her  nerves  trembling  and  her 
whole  frame  agitated  with  a  sudden  dread,  she  distinctly  recog- 
nised the  voice  of  her  father's  footman,  uttering  vain  and  fruit- 
less expostulations,  while  Harry,  in  rough  and  abusive  lan- 
guage, heaped  upon  him  the  most  unsparing  invectives  and 
threats.  At  the  same  instant  a  neighboring  door  was  suddenly 
thrown  open,  and  a  third,  and  equally  well-known  voice  min- 
gled in  the  debate,  addressing  Harry  in  stern,  though  suppressed 
tones  of  command.  A  moment  more,  and  there  was  the  tread 
of  several  feet  upon  the  stair-case  leading  to  the  next  floor ;  a 
muttered  resistance  was  evident  on  Harry's  part,  which  grad- 
ually became  lost  in  the  distance,  and  then  all  was  silent. 

For  several  minutes  Mabel  stood,  pale  and  breathless,  with 
her  ear  pressed  close  to  the  key-hole,  but  hearing  no  sound,  at 
length  ventured  to  open  her  door  and  look  out.  She  started 
back,  however,  as  if  pierced  by  an  arrow ;  for,  though  she 
gave  but  one  glance  without,  it  had  revealed  to  her  the  figure 
of  her  father  descending  the  stair-case,  wrapped  in  his  dressing- 
gown,  and  shading  with  his  hand  the  lamp  which  he  carried, 
while  its  light,  falling  full  upon  his  face,  proclaimed  that  he 
knew  the  worst. 

Mabel  had  long  anticipated  this  or  a  similar  scene  ;  still,  as 
her  eye  met  the  woe-struck  countenance  of  her  parent,  pity 
for  Harry  and  mortification  for  herself  gave  place  to  a  deep 
and  indignant  resentment  against  the  youth  who  could  thus 
bring  down  his  father's  gray  hairs  with  sorrow  to  the  grave. 
She  did  not  weep,  she  threw  herself  into  no  despairing  attitude, 
but  slowly  paced  up  and  down  the  room,  her  soft  hazel  eye 
glowing  with  an  unwonted  excitement,  her  delicately  arched 
lip  curved  with  something  not  unlike  scorn.  It  was  long  be- 
fore she  could  calm  the  tumult  of  her  feelings,  and  when  she 
did  so,  there  remained  a  dull,  heavy,  and  despairing  conscious- 


188  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

ness  of  misfortune,  such  as  she  had  never  felt  before.  The 
family  calamity  had  reached  its  crisis ;  it  was  no  longer  a  se- 
cret, stinging  anxiety,  hid  in  her  own  bosom ;  it  was  a  mel- 
ancholy but  acknowledged  fact. 

With  this  thought,  however,  painful  as  it  was,  there  yet 
mingled  a  sense  of  relief.  She  had  hoped  that  her  father 
might  long  be  spared  this  blow,  but,  since  it  had  come,  it 
rested  with  him  to  ward  off,  if  possible,  future  strokes.  Some 
decisive  means  might  yet  be  adopted  for  reclaiming  the  mis- 
guided youth,  and  if  so,  the  afflicted  parent  would  not  fail  to 
take  the  necessary  steps.  ^Whether  or  not  these  bolder  meas- 
ures required  the  aid  of  her  gentle  influence,  she  did  not  pause 
to  consider ;  but  too  easily  discouraged  in  her  own  feeble  en- 
deavors, and  too  readily  excusing  herself  from  further  partici- 
pation in  efforts  for  the  reformation  of  her  prodigal  brother,  she 
gladly  cast  off  her  share  of  the  burden.  Thus,  with  a  heavier 
heart,  but  a  lightened  sense  of  personal  responsibility,  she 
finally  sought  her  couch. 

It  was  at  this  crisis  that  Dudley  returned  to  the  city.  Two 
week's  sojourn  in  the  climate  of  Canada,  to  which  place  anxi- 
ety concerning  some  property  had  suddenly  called  him,  had 
effectually  cooled  his  petty  jealousy,  and  he  now  strove  sedu- 
lously to  obliterate  the  recollection  of  it  from  Mabel's  mind. 
It  was  no  difficult  task.  In  the  quick  beating  of  her  heart  at 
his  presence,  she  forgot  all  past  estrangement,  while  the  light 
in  her  eye,  and  the  glow  on  her  cheek,  proved  that  no  pain- 
ful remembrance  was  suffered  to  interfere  with  her  pleasure  at 
his  return. 

It  was  now  the  month  of  March.  The  winter  gayeties  of  the 
city  had  subsided,  and  the  fashionable  world  were  already  be- 
ginning to  look  forward,  with  eager  anticipation,  to  the  ap- 
proaching summer  campaign.  In  this  comparative  lull  between 
the  dissipations  of  the  metropolis  and  the  watering-place,  Dud- 
ley found  the  opportunity  to  engross  more  exclusively  than 
ever  the  mind  and  heart  of  Mabel.  The  brilliant  scenes  of 
fashion  no  longer  claimed  their  queen  ;  the  accomplished  opera 
troupe  had  sailed  for  Havana ;  Mabel's  circle  of  admirers  had, 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  189 

for  the  most  part,  either  boldly  urged  their  unsuccessful  suits, 
or  timidly  withdrawn  their  hopeless  claims  to  her  favor ;  the 
weather  was  unfavorable  for  the  popular  drive  or  promenade ; 
and  now,  if  ever,  was  the  time  when  intellectual  amusements, 
refined  tastes,  and  artistic  pursuits,  might  easily  claim  their 
empire. 

Scarcely  a  day  passed  without  affording  Mabel  the  pleasure 
of  Dudley's  society.  A  new  book,  a  rare  flower,  the  announce- 
ment of  an  exhibition  of  choice  paintings,  the  discovery  of 
some  interesting  fact  in  the  scientific  world,  —  any  of  these  were 
sufficient  excuse  for  a  visit ;  or,  if  these  failed,  such  were  his 
address  and  tact,  that  he  well  knew  how  to  render  himself 
essential  in  any  scheme  of  pleasure  or  entertainment  which 
met  her  approbation.  In  Dudley's  society,  within  the  magic 
sound  of  his  low,  persuasive  voice,  and  under  the  fascinating 
influence  of  his  dark,  dreamy  eyes,  Mabel  had  no  leisure  for 
any  other  contemplations  or  thoughts  than  those  which  his 
presence  awakened ;  while,  in  searching  with  him  after  the 
beautiful  in  poetry,  nature,  and  art,  she  was  unconscious  that 
life  afforded  the  opportunity  for  higher  or  nobler  pursuits. 

Fatal  as  this  ascendancy  was  to  her  truest  and  purest  aspi- 
rations, it  may  well  be  believed  that  it  did  not  tend  to  encour- 
age those  schemes  of  sisterly  benevolence  and  charity  which 
she  might  otherwise  have  cherished ;  for  Dudley  was  not  the 
man,  under  any  circumstances,  to  risk  his  own  unstained  repu- 
tation by  the  attempt  to  countenance  and  uphold  a  falling 
friend.  Mabel  was  not  long  in  becoming  conscious  of  the 
gradual  decay  of  his  intimacy  with  Harry,  and  thus  both  his 
example  and  influence  tended  to  discourage  her  efforts  and 
hopes  in  her  brother's  behalf;  while  his  dominion  over  her 
thoughts  was  such  as  to  soothe  the  mortification  she  suffered 
at  the  misconduct  of  the  unhappy  youth,  and  allay  her  fears 
for  his  possible  fate. 

Whatever  might  be  his  motive,  —  or  even  if  he  had  no 
serious  motive  at  all,  —  Dudley  spared  no  pains  to  establish 
an  exclusive  empire  over  Mabel's  heart  and  life,  and  volunta- 
rily submitting  to  his  guidance,  she  yielded  herself  to  his  wishes 


190  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

and  tastes,  allowed  herself  to  be  swayed  by  his  opinions,  and 
blindly  adopted  his  maxims. 

Thus  he  was  satisfied,  and  she  was  happy. 

At  least  she  believed  herself  happy.  It  was  a  strange, 
fitful,  capricious  mingling  of  emotions,  unworthy  of  that  name 
which  expresses  what  is  rarely  found  on  earth,  the  essence  of 
all  joy.  It  was  a  happiness  purchased  at  the  price  of  much 
imagined,  much  hoped  for,  much  forgotten.  It  was  but  the 
fluttering  of  a  young  heart  which  had  not  yet  found  a  resting- 
place.  Alas !  like  the  dove  let  loose  from  the  ark,  it  would 
long  seek  repose  in  vain. 

Such  as  this  so-called  happiness  was,  it  was  subject  to  many 
interruptions.  Like  all  selfish  natures,  Dudley  was  ungenerous 
even  in  his  affections.  He  demanded  more  than  he  gave.  He 
scrupulously  avoided  any  other  declaration  of  his  sentiments 
toward  her  than  that  which  his  whole  manner  conveyed ;  but 
still,  assuming  rights  to  which  he  had  established  no  claim,  he 
hesitated  not  to  exercise  his  influence  over  her  habits  of 
thought  and  life,  and  even  presumed  to  criticise,  and  occasion- 
ally, as  we  have  seen,  take  umbrage  at  her  conduct. 

It  was  true,  he  possessed  a  grace  and  tact  which  knew  how 
to  veil  what  was  in  reality  officious,  beneath  an  air  of  flattering 
assiduity,  and  his  eccentricities  furnished  an  excuse  for  what 
would  have  been  overbearing  in  another ;  still,  Mabel's  spirit 
could  not  easily  brook  the  inequalities  of  his  manner  toward 
her,  and  she  occasionally  met  his  sudden  coldness  and  con- 
straint with  a  haughtiness  equal  to  his  own  air  of  petrified 
reserve. 

Then  followed  intervals  of  unacknowledged  but  evident 
alienation,  when  Mabel,  suddenly  thrown  upon  her  own  re- 
sources, experienced  a  reaction  which  made  her  past  elation  of 
spirit  seem  a  delusion  and  a  mockery. 

During  these  intervals,  all  the  elements  of  unhappiness  in 
her  home  presented  themselves  with  redoubled  force. 

Her  aunt's  complaints  and  inuendoes,  which  had  formerly 
been  limited  to  the  unamiable  deportment  of  Mrs.  Leroy,  and 
the  impositions  she  continually  practised  upon  her  circle  of 


MABEL   VAUGHAN.  191 

relatives,  had  now  found  a  new  and  inexhaustible  subject, 
in  that  still  greater  cause  of  apprehension  and  distress,  which 
Mabel  had  so  dreaded  to  have  come  to  her  knowledge,  but 
with  which  she  had  inevitably  become  acquainted.  Louise 
had  acquired  more  boldness  than  ever  in  her  schemes  of  de- 
ception and  self-indulgence ;  while  Mabel's  temper  was  inces- 
santly tried  by  her  sister's  heartless  indifference  to  her  pleasure 
and  convenience.  A  certain  fixed  rigidity  of  expression  served 
to  cover  and  conceal  the  emotions  and  purposes  of  Mr.  Vaugh- 
an's  mind,  but  there  was  a  stoop  in  his  hitherto  erect  figure, 
and  a  hollowness  in  his  pale  cheeks,  which  stamped  him  as  an 
old  man,  worn  with  care.  And  Harry  !  Ah !  poor  Harry  ! 
Where  and  what  was  he?  Mabel  dared  not  ask  or  think. 
But  the  eye  that  could  no  longer  look  fearlessly  into  that  of 
his  fellow-man;  the  hand  that  hesitated  ere  it  grasped  the 
hand  of  him  who  had  once  been  a  friend ;  the  face  from  which 
youth  and  beauty  were  rapidly  passing  away ; —  all  these  were 
silent  witnesses  to  a  sad  and  sorrowful  tale. 

But,  not  only  did  these  intervals  of  solitary  reflection  bring 
up  in  long  array  the  trials  of  Mabel's  lot ;  they  brought  with 
them,  also,  another  remembrance,  which  was  banished  from 
her  gayer  and  happier  hours,  —  the  remembrance  of  one  who, 
amid  privation,  hardship,  and  pain,  had  learned  life's  holiest 
lesson,  and  finding  in  her  little  sphere  a  humble  path  of  duty, 
trod  it  with  the  heroism  of  a  martyr  and  the  patience  of  a 
saint.  She  could  not  be  blind  to  this  living  example,  nor  deaf 
to  the  secret  monitor  it  had  awakened  in  her  heart.  False 
theories  and  selfish  reasonings  might  shake  her  faith  in  ab- 
stract principles,  but  no  sophistry  could  refute  or  obscure  the 
sacred  truth  which  emanated  from  the  life  of  Rosy. 

The  thought  of  this  pious  little  pilgrim,  and  her  daily  walk 
with  God,  could  not  fail  to  awaken  in  a  nature  so  candid  and 
impressible  as  Mabel's,  many  a  pang  of  self-questioning  and 
self-reproach ;  but  with  these  salutary  stings  of  conscience 
there  came  other  and  no  less  beneficent  influences,  which  were 
at  once  welcome  and  sweet. 

The  heart  that  was  wounded  and  grieved  by  unkindness, 


192  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

misconstruction,  and  reserve,  found  repose  and  refreshment  in 
the  thought  of  one,  whose  spirit,  bathed  in  divine  love,  scat- 
tered abroad  the  heavenly  dew  of  a  true  and  tender  sympathy ; 
while  hopes  that  were  rudely  crushed  under  a  weight  of  trial, 
were  renewed  and  sanctified  by  the  blessed  assurance  that  there 
is  a  rest,  even  on  earth,  which  remaineth  for  the  people  of 
God. 

Mabel's  spirits  were  invariably  calmed  and  soothed  by  a 
visit  to  Rosy ;  her  mind  at  once  subdued  and  strengthened. 
She  felt  something  of  the  patience  which  springs  from  submis- 
sion ;  some  ray  of  the  hope  that  conies  by  faith.  She  went  her 
way,  if  not  fortified  with  a  holy  purpose,  at  least  imbued  Avith 
a  humble  desire  to  imitate,  while  self  was  for  the  time  forgot- 
ten in  the  strong  and  living  desire  to  do  something  for  the 
welfare  and  happiness  of  others. 

These  disinterested  and  generous  aspirations  were  often  dis- 
couraged by  difficulties,  or  palsied  by  indifference,  before  an 
opportunity  presented  itself  for  proving  their  existence ;  but 
occasionally  their  influence  might  be  detected  in  the  generous 
earnestness  with  which  she  sought  to  carry  out  some  benevo- 
lent or  praiseworthy  purpose. 

She  was  driving  one  day  through  a  street  not  very  distant 
from  Mrs.  Hope's  residence,  when  her  attention  was  attracted 
by  some  uncommonly  fine  fruit,  displayed  in  the  window  of  a 
grocer's  shop.  She  had  observed,  on  a  recent  visit  to  Rosy, 
that  the  stock  of  oranges  with  which  she  had  of  late  kept  her 
constantly  provided,  was  nearly  exhausted,  and  it  occurred  to 
her  that  she  would  take  advantage  of  being  in  the  neighbor- 
hood to  renew  the  supply.  She  hastily  pulled  the  check 
string,  and  Donald,  in  obedience  to  her  orders,  drew  up  his 
horses  in  front  of  the  shop,  his  somewhat  scornful  countenance 
expressing  the  surprise  he  felt  that  his  young  mistress  should 
have  occasion  to  enter  so  insignificant  a  grocery  establishment. 
Mabel,  however,  much  more  independent  than  her  fastidious 
coachman,  quite  unconscious  indeed  of  derogating  from  her 
dignity,  alighted  without  hesitation,  and  entering,  commenced 
making  her  purchases. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  193 

While  the  youth  who  waited  on  her  was  engaged  in  weigh- 
ing some  grapes,  her  attention  was  attracted  to  a  couple  of 
boys  who  were  lounging  outside  the  counter. 

"  I  say,  Jack,"  said  the  taller  of  the  two,  —  "  if  you  '11  wheel 
that  'ere  load  o'  shells  down  to  Tattam's,  at  the  river  side,  I  '11 
treat  to  seats  in  the  pit  at  the  Bowery,  to-night.  Come,  old 
feller,  what  do  you  say  to  that?  Tom  Ratlin  plays  *  The 
Devil  among  the  Scullions'  —  that'll  be  sport.  Tom  Rat- 
liri  's  the  boy  for  me  !  Come,  say  done  to  that." 

"  I  won't  touch  none  o'  your  old  oyster  shells,"  answered 
the  boy  who  was  thus  addressed,  —  a  short,  stout,  freckled, 
and  thick-lipped  urchin,  whose  great  prominent  teeth  gave  a 
peculiar  expression  to  his  face,  but  who  had,  nevertheless,  a 
frank,  honest,  and  on  the  whole,  prepossessing  countenance. 

"  You  won't  ?  "  answered  the  first  speaker  —  "  more  fool 
you.  It  pays  enough  sight  better  than  sellin'  your  mother's 
'lasses  candy ; "  and  he  glanced  contemptuously  at  a  tray  loaded 
with  that  article,  suspended  by  a  leather  strap  around  the  neck 
of  his  companion. 

The  latter,  evidently  mortified  and  touched  by  this  allusion 
to  his  occupation,  which  he  had  in  truth  somewhat  outgrown, 
turned  very  red  in  the  face,  and  with  mingled  shame  and 
anger  retorted,  "  Candy  sellin'  is  better  business,  any  how,  than 
workin'  for  folks  that  promise  big  and  do  n't  pay  at  all.  Better 
settle  old  scores  'fore  you  talk  o'  runnin'  up  new  ones." 

"  I  do  n't  owe  yer  nothin',"  replied  the  first  speaker  angrily. 

"  Do  n't  yer  ?  "  exclaimed  Jack.  "  What  did  ever  I  get,  I 
want  to  know,  for  luggin'  them  two  kegs  of  oysters  from  your 
old  man's  cellar  down  to  the  Jersey  ferry  ?  Nice  kind  o'  busi- 
ness, was  n't  it  ?  to  see  you  jump  on  board  the  boat  with  your 
kegs,  and  go  off  a  leavin'  me  in  the  lurch.  I  ain't  forgot  it,  I 
tell  yer." 

The  larger  boy  laughed  boisterously  at  this  reminiscence, 
seeming  to  think  it  a  capital  joke.  "  Why,  what  could  I 
do  ?  "  exclaimed  he  —  "  could  n't  keep  the  boat  a  wait'n  — 
had  n't  no  chance  to  bribe  the  capt'n ;  had  to  be  off  in  a 
jiffy.  But,  look  here  Jack,"  continued  he  persuasively,  "  you 
17 


104  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

\vlieel  the  shells  down  to  Tattarn's,  and  I  '11  pay  up  —  honor 
bright ! " 

"  What,  pay  for  both  jobs  —  this  and  t'  other  one  too  ?  " 

"  I  guess  so.     I  '11  see,"  said  the  tall  boy  evasively. 

"  No,  none  o'  yer  guessin',  Bob, —  we  '11  have  a  clear  bargain 
this  time." 

"  Well,  well,"  said  Bob,  "  you  shall  have  a  chance  at  the 
theatre,  any  way." 

"  And  the  cock-tail,  too  ?  " 

"  'T  wa'n't  a  cock-tail  I  promised,"  said  Bob. 

"  'T  was  a  cock-tail,  —  't  wa'n't  nothin'  else,"  retorted  Jack, 
with  spirit. 

"  Oh,  Jack !  you  're  a  goin'  it  like  a  fine  feller,"  exclaimed 
Bob,  slapping  him  on  the  shoulder ;  "  Tom  Ratlin  and  a  cock- 
tail. Well,  you  shall  have  both  on  'em  if  you  '11  go  right  away. 
I  '11  have  the  shells  round  here  in  the  wink  o*  your  eye.  I 
left  the  wheelbarrow  just  round  the  corner ;  you  hold  on  till  I 
fetch  it,"  and  with  these  words  Bob  shot  off  through  a  side  door, 
to  complete  his  bargain.  * 

"  What  does  he  mean  ?  what  is  he  going  to  give  that  boy  ?  " 
asked  Mabel,  of  the  youth  who  was  tying  up  her  purchases. 

The  lad  looked  up,  met  her  earnest,  inquiring  eye,  and 
stooping  down  to  bite  off  a  piece  of  twine,  endeavored  to  hide 
a  smile  which  was  creeping  over  his  face. 

Mabel,  observing  his  hesitation,  repeated  her  question,  and 
the  youth  looking  up  again,  and  seeing  the  immovable  gravity 
of  her  features,  composed  his  own,  while  he  said,  in  answer  to 
the  second  query  — 

"  Mean  by  what,  ma'am  ?  a  cock-tail  ?  " 

<Yes." 

Something  to  drink,"  replied  the  young  man ;  and  unable 
•w  to  conceal  how  much  he  was  amused  at  Mabel's  curiosity, 
»e  laughed  outright,  at  the  same  time  collecting  his  parcels 
vvith  the  view  of  taking  them  to  the  carriage. 

"  I  thought  so  —  I  was  afraid  so,"  said  Mabel,  her  features 
still  grave  and  reproachful ;  "  it  is  a  shame ! "  Then,  as  the 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  195 

shopman's  clerk  passed  out  with  the  packages,  she  hesitated, 
and  finally  walked  directly  up  to  Jack,  who  was  casting  a  side- 
long glance  at  her,  as  if  he  suspected  himself  to  be  the  subject 
of  remark. 

"  Don't  you  take  it,"  said  she  kindly  and  impressively,  at 
the  same  time  giving  more  force  to  her  words  by  laying  a  gen- 
tle, restraining  hand  on  Jack's  arm. 

Jack  —  Jack  Hope,  for  he  it  was,  though  Mabel  had  no  sus- 
picion of  the  fact  —  looked  up,  met  her  mild,  reproving  glance, 
cast  an  eye  at  the  same  time  at  her  rich  garments,  striking  air, 
and  noble  figure,  and  then  looking  down  with  a  half-defiant, 
half-mortified  expression,  stood  kicking  one  foot  against  the 
counter. 

"  What  shall  I  give  you  not  to  take  it  ?  "  asked  Mabel,  after 
a  pause. 

Once  more  Jack's  eye  met  hers,  but  drooped  the  next  instant 
beneath  the  compassionate  and  imploring  expression  with 
which  she  gazed  into  his  face. 

There  was  another  instant  of  silence,  for  Jack  made  no  reply 
to  her  question. 

Mabel  now  drew  a  gold  dollar  from  her  purse,  and  laid  it  on 
the  counter.  Jack  glanced  at  it  with  an  eager  longing  that 
could  not  be  mistaken,  but  this  time  he  did  not  venture  to  look 
up  at  Mabel. 

"  Do  you  want  that  ?  "  said  she. 

"I  want  it  bad,"  said  the  boy,  "but  —  but  —  " 

"  But  what  ?  " 

Jack  hesitated,  then  said,  bringing  out  his  words  with  a  jerk, 
as  if  they  were  forced  from  him,  "  I  don't  like  to  be  bought  oft", 
—  it 's  mean." 

Mabel  was  struck  with  the  boy's  rude  sense  of  honor ;  she 
looked  puzzled  for  a  moment,  then  said,  "  Is  n't  there  some  one 
at  home  you  could  spend  it  for  ?  have  n't  you  a  mother,  or  a 
sister  ?  it  would  not  be  mean,  if  you  bought  something  for 
them." 

Unconsciously  she  had  struck  the  master-chord.    Jack  looked 


196  MABEL   VAUGHAN. 

searchingly  up  in  her  face,  forgetting  his  former  awe  in  the 
deeper  curiosity  to  discover  how  she  had  pierced  his  secret 
thoughts. 

Mabel  saw  her  advantage,  and  acted  upon  it. 

"  Do  not  take  what  that  wicked  boy  promised  you,"  said  she, 
"  and  do  n't  go  to  the  theatre  either ;  keep  out  of  such  bad  com- 
pany, or  you  will  be  ruined ;  here,  you  shall  have  the  dollar, 
and  welcome,  only  do  n't  put  it  to  a  bad  use ;  perhaps  you  can 
think  of  something  to  buy  with  it  that  will  please  them  all  at 
home,  and  make  them  proud  and  happy." 

"  I  do  want  it  for  somethin'  particklar,"  said  the  boy ;  "  it 
a'n't  nothin'  bad,  as  true  as  the  world  it  a'n't." 

"  Well,  then,"  said  Mabel,  "  take  it ;  I  believe  you,  for  you 
look  as  if  you  were  speaking  the  truth ;  here,  put  it  in  your 
pocket." 

"  What  shall  I  tell  Bob  ?  "  said  the  boy,  in  audible  soliloquy. 

"  Oh,  don't  tell  him  anything,  —  run  off  before  he  comes  back 
—  that 's  the  best  way." 

Jack  smiled  at  the  earnestness  of  his  beautiful  mentor,  and 
lifted  his  tray  of  candy,  which  he  had  lain  down  in  anticipation 
of  entering  Bob's  service. 

In  her  eagerness  to  see  him  depart,  Mabel  stretched  out  her 
delicately  gloved  hand  and  assisted  him  in  fitting  the  leather 
strap  to  his  shoulder. 

"  There,  now,  run,"  said  she,  smiling  with  pleasure  at  her 
own  success.  "  Good-bye !  remember ! "  and  Jack  trudged  off, 
looked  back  once  or  twice  to  watch  her  as  she  entered  her  car- 
riage, and  then  took  to  his  heels,  according  to  her  recommenda- 
tion. 

About  half  an  hour  afterwards,  as  Mabel  was  sitting  in  the 
widow  Hope's  shop,  talking  with  Rose,  while  Donald  was 
pacing  his  horses  up  and  down  at  some  little  distance  from  the 
house,  the  shop-door  was  violently  flung  open,  the  bell  which 
was  attached  to  it  rung  unmercifully,  and  Jack  rushed  hastily 
in,  holding  up  his  dollar  and  exclaiming,  "  Hurrah,  Rose !  no 
matter  now  where  I  got  it,  but  here  is  just  money  enough  to 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  197 

pay  for  —  "  he  had  reached  this  point  in  his  exclamation,  when 
lie  suddenly  caught  sight  of  Mabel,  who  had  hitherto  been  con- 
cealed by  the  door  behind  which  she  sat.  He  stopped  short, 
staggered  back  in  his  astonishment,  turned  very  red  in  the 
face,  and  without  pausing  for  question  or  apology,  clapped 
both  fists  to  his  mouth  and  darted  out  as  abruptly  as  he  had 
entered. 

Rose,  sadly  mortified  at  this  unmannerly  entrance  and  exit, 
endeavored  to  excuse  him  to  Mabel  by  remarking,  "That  is 
Jack  —  he  is  n't  much  used  to  company." 

But  Mabel,  whose  mind  was  wholly  occupied  with  the  coin- 
cidence which  had  thus  proved  the  candy-boy  to  be  identical 
with  Rose's  brother,  did  not  seem  to  hear  her,  and  Rose,  fear- 
ing from  her  silence  that  she  was  displeased,  suggested  in  fur- 
ther extenuation  of  Jack's  behavior,  "  He  is  not  always  so  rude, 
Miss  Mabel." 

"  Rude,  Oh,  no ! "  answered  Mabel  promptly,  recovering  from 
her  momentary  abstraction,  and  observing  Rosy's  troubled  ex- 
pression ;  "  he  did  not  mean  to  be  rude ;  he  was  surprised, 
that  was  all.  I  feel  very  much  interested  in  Jack,  Rose.  He 
seems  to  be  a  good-hearted  boy." 

Rose  looked  inexpressibly  gratified.  "He  is  —  he  is,  Miss 
Mabel,"  exclaimed  she  earnestly;  and  thus  encouraged  to 
speak  on  the  subject,  she  did  not  pause  until  she  had  exhausted 
the  catalogue  of  his  good  qualities. 

Mingled  with  her  praises,  however,  it  was  not  difficult  to 
detect  a  secret  anxiety  and  doubt  lest  these  very  good  qualities 
snould  become  corrupted  by  the  evil  influences  to  which  his 
street  traffic  inevitably  exposed  him,  and  with  the  cl  ie  furnished 
her  by  the  occurrences  of  the  morning,  Mabel  understood  better 
than  ever  before  the  self-devotion  and  perseverance  with  which 
his  little  invalid  sister  strove  to  keep  him  as  much  as  possible 
at  her  side. 

This  little  incident  failed  not  to  leave  a  strong  impression  on 
Mabel's  mind.  It  had  afforded  her  the  happiness  of  perform- 
ing a  benevolent  action ;  it  had  created  a  new  bond  of  sympa- 
17* 


198  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

thy  between  herself  and  Rose,  —  above  all,  it  had  revealed  to 
her  a  fresh  proof  of  the  beauty  and  power  of  that  holy  love 
which  no  selfish  doubts  can  chill  or  blight,  but  which,  living  on 
through  suffering,  change,  decay,  and  death,  beareth  all  things, 
believeth  all  things,  hopeth  all  things,  and  endureth  all  things. 


CHAPTER    XVIII. 

And  some  we  trusted  with  a  fond  believing, 

Have  turned  and  stung  us  to  the  bosom's  core  — 

And  life  hath  seemed  but  as  a  vain  deceiving, 
From  which  we  turn  aside  —  heart-sick  and  sore. 

MRS.  M,  T.  TV.  CHANDLER. 

THE  early  spring  months  had  passed  away,  the  silent  process 
of  nature  had  nearly  reached  its  full  development,  and  summer 
was  close  at  hand.  The  city  parks  were  carpeted  with  a  bright 
green  sod,  and  the  elm  trees  waved  over  them  the  opening  buds 
and  tassels  of  verdure,  which  were  daily  forming  a  thicker  and 
thicker  canopy  of  shade.  Birds  sang  in  the  branches,  and  now 
and  then  perched  on  the  eaves  or  open  windows  of  the  tall  city 
houses,  while  the  soft  breezes,  the  warmth  of  the  mid-day  sun, 
the  sound  of  children's  voices,  and  the  glow  of  animal  life  and 
spirit  which  pervaded  the  streets  and  thoroughfares,  gave  evi- 
dence of  the  renewing  and  revivifying  power  with  which  sum- 
mer and  sunshine  penetrate  even  to  the  heart  of  the  great 
metropolis. 

It  was  a  lovely  morning,  towards  the  close  of  the  month  of 
May,  when  Mabel,  with  a  miniature  watering-pot  in  her  hand, 
stood  listlessly  gazing  from  out  her  dressing-room  window  into 
a  beautiful  open  square  directly  opposite.  She  had»been  en- 
gaged in  watering  a  few  plants.  Harry's  thoughtful  gift  many 
months  before ;  but  her  mind  had  wandered  from  her  occupa- 
tion, and  though  her  eye  was  fixed  upon  the  sunny  green  sward 
of  the  little  park,  the  dreamy  smile  upon  her  countenance  pro- 
claimed her  to  be  roaming  far  away  in  the  pleasant  fields  of 
imagination.  Home  still  had  its  cares ;  the  present,  its  bitter- 
ness; the  future,  its  anxiety;  but  these  had  no  part  in  her 
present  reverie,  for,  giving  the  reins  to  a  charmed  fancy,  and, 


200  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

for  the  time,  banishing  every  painful  thought,  she  was  dwelling 
with  fond  and  eager  anticipation  upon  that  ever  fruitful  pros- 
pect of  enjoyment,  a  young  girl's  first  journey. 

Even  before  she  left  school,  when  all  the  pleasures  of  free- 
dom were  yet  untasted,  there  had  been  no  theme  more  exciting 
to  her  youthful  enthusiasm,  than  the  confident  hope  of  one  day 
visiting  the  romantic  Falls  of  Trenton,  the  gigantic  cataract  of 
Niagara,  and  the  St.  Lawrence,  with  its  Thousand  Isles  — 
national  elements  of  beauty  and  grandeur,  with  which  she 
rightly  deemed  it  desirable  to  become  acquainted,  before  in- 
dulging still  more  glowing  anticipations  of  foreign  travel. 

These  were  but  vague  yearnings,  however,  in  comparison 
with  the  alluring  visions  which  had  recently  been  awakened  in 
her  youthful  and  ardent  nature,  by  one  who,  himself  familiar 
with  the  beauties  of  American  scenery,  possessed  the  power  to 
kindle  her  imagination  and  excite  her  feelings  by  his  animated 
description  of  the  scenes  of  his  boyish  homage. 

And  if  the  eloquent  tongue  of  Dudley  had  power  to  clothe 
these  grand  and  picturesque  regions  with  a  new  halo  of  beauty 
and  romance,  it  may  well  be  believed  that  Mabel's  heart  was 
stirred  with  no  common  glow  of  delighted  anticipation,  at  the 
added  hope  she  wras  now  indulging,  of  visiting  these  favored 
spots  in  his  companionship,  being  initiated  by  him  into  the  pe- 
culiar charms  which  pertain  to  each,  and  being  suffered  to 
believe  that  the  sight  of  her  fresh  enjoyment  would  awaken  in 
him  a  pleasure,  equal,  if  not  superior,  to  that  he  had  once 
experienced  in  his  own. 

Early  in  the  spring,  when  Mabel's  friends  were  discussing 
their  plans  for  the  season,  she  had  frequently  mentioned  her 
expectation  of  spending  the  month  of  June  in  travelling.  As 
the  time  drew  near,  however,  and  Mr.  Vaughan  declared  his 
engagements  to  be  such  as  to  forbid  all  thought  of  the  journey, 
she  freely  expressed,  amid  her  own  little  circle,  the  disappoint- 
ment which  she  felt  at  the  project's  being  thus  unexpectedly 
abandoned. 

"  Why  cannot  we  make  an  excursion  party  to  the  Falls  ?  " 
exclaimed  Dudley,  one  evening  when,  a  small  party  being  as- 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  201 

in  Mrs.  Leroy's  drawing-room,  the  subject  was  acci- 
dentally introduced. 

"Mrs.  Leroy,  Mrs.  Broadhead,  does  the  idea  strike  you 
agreeably?  Come,  Mr.  Earle;  you  just  confessed  yourself  at 
a  loss  how  to  get  rid  of  next  month,"  —  and  turning  to  various 
others,  who  chanced  to  be  present,  he  found  some  ingenious 
method  of  recommending  his  proposition  to  each. 

The  challenge,  though  playfully  made,  met  with  general  ac- 
ceptance, and  Dudley  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  his  appar- 
ently careless  suggestion  acted  upon  at  once.  Most  of  the 
company  consisted  of  this  world's  idlers, — the  acknowledged 
drones  of  society,  who  were  restricted  by  no  claims  of  business 
or  of  duty, — and  the  plan  and  route  which  Dudley  proceeded 
to  sketch  were  unanimously  adopted. 

Mr.  Leroy  had  left  New  York  early  in  May,  to  attend  to 
some  important  transactions  at  the  West,  and  Louise  was  at 
liberty  to  follow  her  own  inclinations;  while  Mabel,  never 
doubting  the  consent  of  her  indulgent  father,  lent  a  ready  ear 
to  a  scheme  which  she  believed  to  be  designed  for  her  especial 
benefit. 

Thus  a  plan  was  concerted,  which,  gaining  in  popularity  from 
day  to  day,  soon  became  the  engrossing  topic  of  interest  and 
conversation  between  Mabel  and  her  friends ;  and  while  all 
found  in  it  a  welcome  source  of  pleasure,  Mabel's  heart  thrilled 
with  a  dreamy  ecstacy  of  delight,  as  she  listened  to  the  low- 
spoken  words  of  hope  and  expectation  which  Dudley  breathed 
into  her  ear,  as  he  talked  of  the  promised  journey,  or  as  she 
pondered  in  secret  on  the  vague,  half-uttered  terms  in  which  he 
confessed  his  happiness  to  be  in  this,  as  in  all  things,  dependent 
on  her  own. 

None  of  the  party  were  willing  to  leave  New  York  until  after 
a  fashionable  and  long-talked-of  wedding  reception,  which  was 
to  take  place  at  a  country  seat  a  few  miles  from  the  city,  and, 
in  anticipation  of  which,  the  fashionable  world  had  been  content 
to  linger  in  town  to  a  later  period  than  usual. 

This  festive  occasion  was  n6w  close  at  hand,  and,  as  Mabel 
stood  at  the  window  and  counted  up  the  days  which  must  elapse 


202  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

before  the  commencement  of  her  little  tour,  her  pleasant  reflec- 
tions were  interrupted  by  the  thought,  that  she  had  not  yet 
found  an  opportunity  to  broach  the  matter  to  her  father.  So 
confident  was  she,  however,  that  the  independence  she  had 
hitherto  enjoyed  would  not  be  interfered  with  in  this  particular, 
that  she  was  dismissing  the  subject  from  her  mind,  with  the 
simple  conclusion,  I  must  not  forget  to  mention  it  to  him  to- 
morrow,— when  her  meditations  were  still  further  disturbed  by 
the  unusual  sound  of  his  footsteps  within  her  room,  and  looking 
up,  she  found  him  close  beside  her  with  an  open  letter  in  his 
hand. 

He  replied  at  once  to  the  inquiring  expression  of  her  face, 
saying,  "  I  have  news  from  your  Aunt  Margaret,  my  dear." 

Mabel  started,  and  a  look  of  sudden  alarm  passed  over  her 
face,  for  her  Aunt  Sabiah  had  left  them  a  week  before,  in  com- 
pliance with  an  invitation  to  pass  the  summer  with  her  recently 
widowed  sister,  and  Mabel  feared  some  accident  had  befallen 
her.  "Is  anything  the  matter?"  asked  she  quickly.  "Aunt 
Sabiah—" 

"  Your  aunts  are  both  well,"  interrupted  her  father ;  "  this 
letter  is  in  reply  to  a  message  I  sent  by  your  Aunt  Sabiah  last 
week ;  it  conies  very  opportunely, — it  is  very  kind,  very  hos- 
pitable in  your  Aunt  Margaret ;  it  gratifies  me  exceedingly," 
and  he  handed  the  letter  for  her  perusal. 

Mabel's  face  was  expressive  of  mingled  emotions  as  she  read, 
but  puzzled  surprise  predominated ;  and  as  she  finished,  she 
looked  up  with  the  abrupt  remark,  "About  Harry?  I  do  not 
understand  it  father." 

"  Harry  goes  to  L.  next  week,"  said  Mr.  Vaughan,  speaking 
decidedly,  with  compressed  lips,  and  in  a  tone  which  deprecated 
curiosity  or  inquiry.  "  He  is  to  study  law  with  my  old  friend, 
Judge  Paradox,  and  will  commence  immediately." 

Mabel  was  about  to  express  astonishment  at  this  sudden 
choice  of  a  profession,  and  question  her  father  more  closely, 
but  observing  the  expression  of  his  countenance,  she  checked 
herself,  satisfied  rather  to  await  such  explanation  as  he  might 
think  proper  to  give. 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  203 

g 

He  gave  none,  however,  but,  as  if  deeming  the  announce- 
ment of  his  intentions  with  regard  to  Harry  sufficient,  went  on 
to  say,  in  quick  disjointed  sentences,  and  much  as  if  soliloquiz- 
ing, "  Your  aunt  not  only  proposes  to  receive  Harry  until  his 
rooms  are  in  readiness,  but  gives  you,  I  think,  a  very  cordial 
invitation  to  accompany  him.  I  am  very  glad  of  this, — I  wish 
you  to  know  your  aunt, — I  have  not  seen  her  myself  for  these 
five  years, — it  will  be  pleasant  for  you  to  be  with  Harry,  and 
the  plan  will  in  every  way  be  a  great  relief  to  me.  I  have  just 
heard  from  Mr.  Leroy,  and  find  that  my  affairs  will  compel  me 
to  join  him  at  the  West,  immediately  ;  so  I  shall  close  the  house, 
and  come  to  L.  to  meet  you  when  I  return,  which  I  hope  will 
be  before  many  weeks.  I  dread  the  journey  very  much,  but  it 
cannot  be  postponed  any  longer." 

Mabel's  countenance  fell,  as  she  listened  to  this  programme 
of  her  father's  intentions  and  wishes;  even  the  sight  of  his 
haggard  and  anxious  face,  failed  to  win  her  from  the  contem- 
plation of  her  own  disappointment.  She  stood  silent  and 
thoughtful,  looked  out  of  the  window,  bit  her  lip,  and  made  no 
reply. 

Mr.  Vaughan,  who  was  slowly  pacing  the  room,  glanced  up  at 
length,  as  if  awaiting  some  response  to  his  own  expressions  of 
satisfaction,  and  then  said,  watching  her  face  meanwhile,  and 
speaking  in  the  tone  of  considerate  kindness  with  which  he 
always  addressed  her — "I  hope  you  like  the  plan,  my  daugh- 
ter ;  your  Aunt  Margaret  is  a  stranger,  to  be  sure,  but  Sabiah 
is  there,  you  know."  Already  he  had  detected  her  repugnance 
to  the  arrangement,  and  was  solicitous  to  place  it  in  the  best 
possible  light. 

"  Yes,"  said  Mabel,  hesitating,  "  but  I  was  in  hopes  "  — 

Her  voice  faltered  as  she  spoke,  but  her  father  reassured 
her,  drawing  near,  standing  with  his  hands  clasped  behind  him, 
and  patiently  awaiting  what  she  had  to  say,  while  he  aided  her 
with  the  inquiry  —  "  What  did  you  hope,  my  dear  ?  had  you 
any  other  plan  at  heart  ?  " 

Thus  encouraged,  she  acknowledged  the  scheme  of  pleasure 
which  she  found  it  so  hard  to  forego,  explained  the  route,  enu- 


204  MABEL    VAUGUAN. 

merated  the  party,  and,  while  she  forbore  to  urge  the  point, 
made  no  secret  of  her  preference. 

"  Louise  is  going  ?  "  asked  Mr.  Vaughan,  as  he  thoughtfully 
resumed  his  walk  up  and  down  the  room. 

"Yes." 

"  And  Harry  ?  "  added  he,  with  hesitation,  "  did  he  expect 
to  make  one  of  the  party  ?  " 

"  No,"  answered  Mabel,  with  a  thrill  of  pain  which  was  like 
the  sting  of  conscience,  for  she  well  knew  that  no  one  had 
requested  Harry's  company  on  the  excursion. 

"  And  you  are  very  anxious  to  go  ?  " 

"  I  was,"  said  Mabel,  hesitatingly,  "  Yes."  And  with  nervous 
agitation  she  stood  picking  the  withered  leaves  from  a  geranium, 
while  she  awaited  her  father's  decision. 

Her  cause  was  in  safe  hands.  Mr.  Vaughan  had  no  courage 
to  disappoint  her ;  he  could  far  better  bear  to  be  disappointed 
himself.  So,  after  a  short  pause,  he  said,  "Very  well,  you 
shall  do  as  you  please,  my  dear ;  only  I  hope  in  the  course  of 
the  summer  you  will  find  time  to  make  your  aunt  Margaret  a 
short  visit,  at  least.  Suppose  you  answer  the  letter,  and  tell 
her  you  will  come  in  July  or  August." 

Mabel  promised  to  do  so,  and  the  matter  being  settled,  Mr. 
Vaughan,  who  had  no  time  to  waste,  hurried  away  to  his  office. 

Mabel  stood  and  looked  after  him  as  he  crossed  the  little 
park — her  kind,  indulgent  father,  who  could  refuse  her  nothing. 
How  she  thanked  and  blessed  him  !  Her  aged  and  care-worn 
father,  with  a  stooping  gait  and  a  shadow  on  his  brow, — was 
the  deeper  whisper  of  her  conscience.  Did  she  deserve  from 
him  a  blessing  in  return  ? 

Her  pathway,  it  is  true,  is  free.  He  has  left  her  at  liberty 
to  go  when  and  where  she  will ;  his  restraining  hand  places  no 
clog  upon  her  footsteps,  his  love  has  broken  down  every  barrier 
to  her  looked-for  happiness  —  every  barrier  save  one,  and  that 
a  dull,  heavy,  impatient  knocking  at  her  heart,  an  intruding 
thought,  a  stern  and  solemn  appeal,  striving  to  make  itself 
heard.  Shall  she  give  the  strange,  unwelcome  guest  admit- 
tance? 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  205 

The  question  was  answered  by  the  sudden  entrance  of  Louise, 
.who  was  full  of  excitement  in  view  of  the  approaching  wedding 
and  pleasure-party,  and  whose  voluble  tongue  soon  put  to  flight 
every  serious  thought  which  had  taken  possession  of  her  sister's 
mind.  She  was  criticising  and  commenting  upon  various  rich 
articles  of  dress  which  formed  a  part  of  Mabel's  spring  ward- 
robe, when  a  figure  of  ample  proportions  presented  itself  within 
the  door  of  the  dressing-room,  and  a  loud  voice  exclaimed, 
"  Ah,  here  you  are  !  Cecilia  admitted  me,  and  I  ventured  to 
come  up  stairs  without  waiting  to  be  invited.  Oh,  Mabel,  what 
a  sweet  bonnet !  —  fresh  from  Paris,  I  '11  bet  a  trifle  !  And 
this  is  your  travelling  suit  —  a  shade  darker  than  Vic's,  but 
beautifully  trimmed,  isn't  it  Lu  ?"  And  the  stout  Mrs.  Van- 
necker,  exhausted  and  breathless,  sank  panting  upon  the  sofa. 

u  Throw  off  your  rnantle,  and  take  a  seat  at  this  open  win- 
dow," said  Mabel,  observing  the  flushed  and  heated  condition 
of  her  visitor. 

"  No,  no,  thank  you,  let  me  sit  here,"  replied  the  lady,  taking 
a  fan  which  Mabel  offered,  and  fanning  herself  vigorously. 
"  Oh,  these  are  lovely !  "  observed  she,  examining  some  rich 
flounced  silks  which,  just  received  from  the  dressmaker's,  hung 
over  the  arm  of  the  couch.  "  That  shade  of  green  is  very  try- 
ing, though,  and  the  pink  is  rather  pale.  I  dare  say  it  will 
light  up  well,  though.  Vanity  of  vanities ! "  she  continued,  in 
a  theatrical  manner,  uttering  at  the  same  time  something  be- 
tween a  sigh  and  an  endeavor  to  catch  her  breath ;  "  What 
would  Mr.  Lincoln  Dudley  say,  with  his  contempt  for  finery, 
if  he  should  see  all  this  exhibition  of  the  fine  arts,  as  he 
calls  it?" 

Mabel  looked  up  quickly,  as  Mrs.  Vannecker  thus  quoted 
her  friend,  but  the  tongue  of  the  loquacious  lady  did  not  need 
even  the  encouragement  of  a  look. 

"  I  declare,  girls,"  exclaimed  she,  "  I  say  to  you  as  I  said  to 

Vic,  this  morning,  —  I  almost  wish  Mr.  Dudley  was  n't  going 

with  us  on  our  journey.     I  can't  say  I  think  him  much  of  an 

addition  to  the  party,  he  has  become  such  a,  stoic  —  cynic,  I 

18 


206  MAKKL    V  A  UGH  AN. 

mean,"  added  she,  after  a  pause,  during  which  she  discovered 
her  mistaken  use  of  terms. 

Mabel  turned  away  and  smiled  —  not  at  the  mistake,  but  at 
Mrs.  Yanneeker's  desire  to  exclude  Mr.  Dudley  from  a  party 
of  his  own  arranging,  into  which  she  had  intruded  herself  and 
her  daughter,  uninvited. 

"Is  he  a  cynic?"  said  Louise,  absently.  " Mabel,  what  did 
De  Trou  make  you  pay  for  those  flowers  ?  " 

u  To  be  sure  he  is,"  said  Mrs.  Vannecker,  replying  to  the 
first  question.  "  I  don't  know  any  better  name  for  him.  You 
heard  how  he  abused  every  body  and  every  thing  that  night 
at  your  house;  and  last  evening  I  met  him  at  the  Earle's,  and 
such  a  setting-down  as  he  gave  the  New  Yorkers  !  —  so  many 
iackanapes  among  the  young  men  —  so  many  fine  women 
spoiled  by  fashion  !  I  assure  you,  I  felt  myself  called  upon  to 
act  as  their  champion,  and  trust  I  was  tolerably  successful.  I 
talked  him  down,  at  all  events  —  that  was  one  comfort." 

"  It  must  have  required  a  large  slock  of  wrords,  I  should 
think,  Mrs.  Vannecker,  to  defend  so  poor  a  cause,"  said  Mabel, 
betraying  in  her  manner,  no  less  than  her  remark,  a  disposition 
to  justify  Dudley's  severity. 

"  A  poor  cause ! "  exclaimed  Mrs.  Vannecker.  "  So  you  side 
with  my  lord  Dudley,  do  you,  Mabel,  and  condemn  society  in 
the  same  wholesale  manner?  Well,  I  have  understood  you 
were  a  pupil  of  his." 

"  I  do  not  speak  of  society  generally,"  resumed  Mabel,  "  but 
an  intellectual  man,  like  Mr.  Dudley,  can  not  be  expected  to 
have  much  sympathy  with  silly  women  and  coxcombs." 

"  And  how  many  of  us,  do  you  suppose,  he  excludes  from 
that  list  ?  Not  me,  though  I  came  under  the  privileged  head 
of  '  Present  company,'  nor  you,  my  dear,"  added  she  with  a 
coarse  laugh,  "  though  you  are  so  ready  to  ratify  his  opinions. 
You  had  your  share  of  the  lash,  as  well  as  the  rest  of  us; 
however,  do  n't  look  so  crest-fallen,"  added  she,  seeing  Mabel 
suddenly  change  color  and  look  down ;  "  one  must  pay  some 
penalty  for  being  the  most  popular  belle  of  the  season ;  and  if 
nobody  finds  fault  with  you  but  a  crusty  old  bachelor,  like  Mr. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  207 

Dudley,  you  mustn't  complain,  even  if  the  world  does  give  him 
the  credit  of  being  a  genius  and  all  that." 

"  Old ! "  remarked  Louise,  who  engaged  in  trying  on  Mabel's 
new  bonnet  only  caught  a  word,  now  and  then,  of  a  conversa- 
tion to  which  she  felt  wholly  indifferent.  "  I  do  n't  call  Mr. 
Dudley  old ;  he  can't  be  much  over  thirty." 

"  I  do  n't  know  his  age,"  answered  Mrs.  Vannecker,  tartly. 
"  I  only  know  he  has  outlived  his  good  humor.  Why,  when 
Mr.  Earle  said  something  about  Theodore  Marston's  beauty 
and  accomplishments,  and  the  splendid  establishment  in  which 
he  would  instate  the  lady  of  his  choice," — and  she  gave  a 
meaning  glance  at  Mabel, — "Mr.  Dudley  snarled  as  if  some- 
body had  stepped  on  his  toes.  I  declare,  if  it  had  not  always 
been  said  that  he  never  bowed  at  any  shrine,  and  was 
not  a  marrying  man,  I  should  certainly  think  he  had  been 
refused  years  ago  by  some  reigning  star,  and  had  not  yet  recov- 
ered from  the  mortification.  I  suppose  he  comes  under  the 
head  of  '  poor  and  proud,'  and  that  accounts  for  his  being  such 
a  fault-finder." 

"  Why,  I  thought  Mr.  Dudley  liked  society,"  said  Louise ; 
"  we  always  meet  him  everywhere." 

"  To  be  sure,"  said  Mrs.  Vannecker,  "  and  what  is  he  there 
for?  To  play  the  agreeable  in  company,  and  abuse  people 
behind  their  backs.  Now,  that  is  what  I  call  being  a  down- 
right hypocrite !  For  instance :  we  all  know  how  much  he 
has  patronized  Mabel  this  winter — all  because  he  thought  it  a 
feather  in  his  cap  to  be  in  the  van  of  her  admirers — and  now, 
I  will  just  tell  what  he  said  about  her,  if  it 's  only  to  convince 
the  child  that  I  didn't  waste  words,  as  she  calls  it,  without 
provocation." 

Mabel  stooped  down  and  appeared  to  be  busily  searching  for 
some  missing  article  in  her  bureau  drawer,  while  Mrs.  Van- 
necker continued  — 

"  You  must  know  we  were  talking,  as  every  body  is  now, 
about  Fan  Broadhead's  marriage  with  the  colonel,  and  Mrs. 
Earle  remarked  that  she  thought  it  a  capital  match." 

" '  Capital ! '  said  Mr.  Dudley,  echoing  Mrs.  Earle's  word;;. 


208  MABEL    VAUCIIAN. 

1 A  most  thorough-going,  complete,  and  satisfactory  conformity 
with  the  usages  of  society.  Beauty,  youth,  and  all  the  modern 
accomplishments  set  off  against  a  town-house,  a  country-house, 
a  cottage  at  Newport,  and  a  carriage  for  every  season  of  the 
year.  Capital,  upon  my  word  ! ' 

"  You  can't  imagine,"  said  Mrs.  Vannecker,  "  how  bitter  and 
sarcastic  his  tone  was ;  and  Mr.  Earle,  who  is  Fan's  cousin, 
you  know,  could  not  help  noticing  it." 

"'So,  Mr.  Dudley,'  said  he,  'you  don't  think  there  is  much 
sentiment  in  the  matter/ 

" '  Sentiment,  —  pshaw  ! '  said  Mr.  Dudley,  '  what  has  a 
fashionable  girl  to  do  with  sentiment?  The  heart  is  the  last 
thing  to  be  consulted  when  a  New  York  belle  marries.' 

"'Why,'  said  I,  'there's  Mabel  Vaughan  and  Mr.  Mars- 
ton—'" 

"  Mrs.  Vannecker ! "  exclaimed  Mabel,  looking  up  with 
crimson  face  and  flashing  eyes,  "  how  could  you  couple  my 
name  —  " 

"  It  was  only  by  way  of  argument,  my  dear,"  responded 
Mrs.  Vannecker. 

"Yes,  but  connected  as  you  are,"  faltered  Mabel,  "it  would 
be  thought  —  " 

"  Nothing  would  be  thought,  but  what  is  true,  I  suspect,  or 
will  be  one  of  these  days;  if  not,  you  can  contradict  the  reports 
that  are  circulating,  my  dear  ;  but  let  me  go  on  with  my  story, 
and  you  shall  judge  what  Lincoln  Dudley's  opinion  of  you  is. 

"'There's  Mabel  Vaughan  and  Mr.  Marston,'  said  I,  '  they 
are  both  young,  and  handsome,  and  accomplished ;  do  you 
mean  to  say  that  is  a  match  where  there  is  no  romance,  no 
affection  between  the  parties  ? ' 

"'I  do,' said  he,  looking  at  me  as  if  I  had  insulted  him. 
'Miss  Vaughan  has  too  much  sense  to  bestow  her  affections 
on  such  a  paltry  bit  of  frippery.* 

"'And  yet,  you  believe  she  will  bestow  her  hand  on  him?' 
said  I. 

" '  I  do  not  pretend  to  question  it,'  said  he,  in  his  decided 
way.  '  Why  should  she  not  ?  All  fashionable  girls  are  alike  ; 


MABEL    VACGHAN.  209 

they  live  for  the  world,  many  to  please  the  world,  and 
would  die  sooner  than  defy  the  world's  opinion.  Love  in  a 
cottage  is  no  longer  to  be  thought  of.  I  will  venture  to  say 
that  I  do  not  know  a  woman  in  New  York  capable  of  sacri- 
ficing the  love  of  display  to  any  higher  sentiment ;  and  Miss 
Vaughan  is  the  last  who  could  be  expected  to  prove  an  excep- 
tion to  the  rule.  She  has  passed  through  all  the  phases  of  a 
fashionable  career,  except  the  phase  matrimonial,  —  she  will 
scarcely  stop  short  of  the  blissful  climax.'  " 

"  There,  that  was  a  long  speech,  but  I  treasured  up  every 
word  of  it,  Mabel,  for  I  was  determined  to  tell  you.  I  assure 
you  I  was  quite  indignant  at  hearing  him  talk  as  if  girls  now- 
a-days  had  n't  any  feeling.  I  gave  him  a  pretty  sharp  piece  of 
my  mind,  too,  and  I  dare  say  he  felt  it,  though  he  never  made 
me  a  bit  of  an  answer,  but  bowed  all  round  the  room,  in  his 
provokingly  graceful  manner,  and  went  off  as  unconcerned  as 
you  please.  What  do  you  think  now,  Mabel,  of  the  justice  of 
Mr.  Dudley's  criticisms?  " 

Wounded  feeling,  pride,  and  indignation,  were  all  depicted 
in  Mabel's  countenance.  <fl  think,  Mrs.  Vannecker,"  said 
she,  evading  a  direct  reply,  "  that  it  is  very  unpleasant  to  be 
made  the  subject  of  a  drawing-room  discussion,  and  in  future 
I  must  beg  —  " 

"  O,  my  dear,"  interrupted  Mrs.  Vannecker,  in  a  concilia- 
ting tone,  "  it  was  not  an  occasion  of  any  consequence,  there 
were  only  half  a  dozen  persons  present,  and  I  only  mentioned 
you  and  Mr.  Marston,  as  an  instance  of  a  young  couple  who 
were  every  way  suited  to  each  other." 

"But  it  was  a  very  mistaken  instance,"  persisted  Mabel. 
"  I  have  no  interest  whatever  in  Mr.  Marston,  and  wish  it  to 
be  so  understood." 

"Oh,  la!  what  a  fuss  about  nothing !"  exclaimed  Louise. 
"  You  know,  May,  if  you  are  not  engaged  to  Theodore  Mars- 
ton,  very  likely  you  will  be  one  of  these  days,  —  there  is  not 
another  such  match  in  the  city." 

"  Why,  Louise,  I  do  n't  know  what  you  mean,"  exclaimed 
Mabel,  tears  of  vexation  starting  to  her  eyes. 

18* 


210  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

Louise  only  replied  by  glancing  with  an  incredulous  smile 
at  Mrs.  Vannecker,  at  the  same  time  humming  a  popular  air, 
and  practising  before  the  mirror  a  few  steps  of  a  new  and  diffi- 
cult dance.  "It  is  growing  very  warm,"  drawled  she,  in  a  lan- 
guishing manner,  "  I  must  go  before  it  is  any  hotter.  You  '11 
call  for  me  in  good  season  Thursday  morning,  May.  I  won- 
der if  Fan  Broadhead  will  make  a  handsome  bride." 

"  Wait  a  moment,  Lu,"  said  Mrs.  Vannecker,  snatching 
up  her  parasol  and  scarf,  and  looking  about  her  for  her 
gloves.  "  Vic  will  wonder  what  has  become  of  me.  So  you 
do  n't  mean  to  have  your  engagement  with  Mr.  Marston  come 
out  yet,  pet  ?  "  said  she,  tapping  Mabel  lightly  under  the  chin, 
as  the  latter  stooped  to  pick  up  one  of  the  fallen  gloves. 

"  No,  —  never !  "  said  Mabel,  with  a  vehemence  unusual  to 
her. 

"  Oh,  do  n't  say  that,"  replied  Mrs.  Vannecker,  coaxingly,  as 
she  squeezed  through  the  doorway.  "  Ask  Harry  to  come  in, 
dear,  and  talk  the  journey  over  with  us.  Vic  has  twenty  ques- 
tions to  put  to  him." 

"  Harry  is  not  going  on  the  journey,"  said  Mabel,  quickly. 

"  Not  going ! "  ejaculated  Mrs.  Vannecker,  in  a  tone  of  un- 
mistakable chagrin.  "  Do  you  really  mean  so  ?  Why,  you 
astonish  me.  I  took  it  for  granted  he  was  going,  —  so  did 
Vic.  How  came  we  to  be  so  mistaken  ?  " 

Mabel  did  not  reply ;  and  the  dismayed  lady,  after  repeated 
expressions  of  self-condolence,  left  the  room,  with  the  words, 
"  I  am  disappointed,  —  Harry  not  going,  —  what  will  Vic 
say?" 


CHAPTER    XIX. 

O  changing  child  and  woman, 
Thou  hadst  not  second  sight ! 
Or  bending  down  thy  forehead  white, 

The  human  to  the  human, 
The  idol's  shadow  would  have  made 
Its  light  to  vanish  like  a  shade.        MRS.  BROWNING. 

MABEL  returned  to  her  dressing-room,  threw  herself  into  a 
seat  at  the  open  window,  and,  with  her  hands  dropped  listlessly 
on  her  lap,  and  her  eyes  gazing  vacantly  into  a  piece  of  blue 
sky  opposite,  became  lost  in  thought. 

"  So,  Dudley  thinks  me  a  complete  fashionist,  a  mere  world- 
ling," was  her  inward  meditation.  "Who  has  had  such  an 
opportunity  of  knowing  me  as  he  has  ?  To  whom  have  I  con- 
fided my  thoughts,  hopes,  and  aspirations,  so  freely  as  to  him  ? 
and,  can  he  have  thus  misunderstood  me  ?  Can  he  really  be- 
lieve me  the  cold,  calculating,  mercenary  creature,  whom  he 
professes  to  despise  ?  How  unjust !  how  cruel !  Is  it  my 
fault  that  I  move  in  a  circle  of  fashion  ?  Is  it  anything  but  the 
accident  of  my  lot  that  placed  me  here  ?  Are  my  views,  mo- 
tions, actions,  all  to  be  measured  by  the  standard  of  my  frivo- 
lous acquaintances  ?  I  did  not  choose  them,  they  were  chosen 
for  me,  and  I  only  play  my  part  in  the  sphere  assigned  by  na- 
ture. These  fine  clothes,"  thought  she,  as  rising  impatiently  from 
her  seat,  her  eyes  fell  on  the  rich  silks  and  laces  which  were 
profusely  scattered  around,  "  do  I  want  them  ?  do  I  care  for 
them  ?  Are  they  not  the  mere  accompaniments  of  my  present 
position?  This  face  and  figure  which  the  world  calls  beautiful," 
and  she  paused  before  the  mirror,  "  do  I  covet  beauty,  save 
as  it  may  make  me  attractive  in  his  eyes  ?  He  must  know — 
he  does  know,  that  all  else  may  frown  and  I  care  not,  so  he 


212  MABEL    VAUGHAX. 

only  smiles.  He  talks  of  sacrifice,  and  yet  believes  that  I 
would  crush  my  heart  down  rather  than  relinquish  the  prospect 
of  a  brilliant  establishment.  Ah,  which  would  be  the  greater 
sacrifice  ?  He  does  not  know  the  power  of  a  woman's  love.  I 
knew  he  despised  others,  but  I  never  dreamed  that  he  had  no 
faith  in  me." 

Ah !  that  was  a  bitter  pang  indeed,  that  he  should  place  her 
thus  on  a  level  with  the  vain  crowds,  at  whom  she  had  so  often 
heard  him  sneer.  Poor  child !  She  had  trusted,  with  all  the 
warmth  of  her  generous  affections,  in  one  who  knew  not  what 
it  was  to  trust.  The  poisoned  arrows,  with  which  she  had 
thoughtlessly  played,  had  rebounded  and  pierced  her  to  the 
heart.  No  wonder  that  she  smarted  at  the  sudden  wound. 

But  her  generous  confidence  was  not  weary  yet,  and  the  first 
struggle  with  injured  feeling  being  past,  she  was  ready,  with  a 
true  woman's  inventive  charity,  both  to  palliate  the  offence,  and 
excuse  and  pardon  the  offender. 

"  Mrs.  Vannecker  dislikes  Mr.  Dudley,"  thought  she,  "  and 
has  no  doubt  given  her  own  coloring  to  his  words ;  —  things 
sound  so  differently  when  repeated  ;  —  besides,  she  says  he  is 
poor,  —  I  never  thought  of  that.  He  can  not  be  poor,  and 
his  talents  would  be  priceless  in  any  profession;  but  in  compar- 
ison with  Mr.  Marston's,  his  present  means,  perhaps,  are  lim- 
ited." And  Mabel's  heart  softened  as  she  reflected  on  the  bit- 
terness which  a  sensitive  man  might  feel,  as  he  contrasted  his 
narrow  estate  with  the  princely  fortune  of  his  rival.  "  I  have 
been  careless  and  imprudent,  too,"  thought  she ;  "  no  wonder 
he  is  vexed,  when  strangers  even  are  deceived."  And  here 
Mabel  called  to  mind  the  frequent  instances,  unexplained  till 
now,  when  Mr.  Dudley  had  turned  coldly  away  at  Mr.  Mars- 
ton's  approach,  or,  with  harsh  and  cutting  sarcasm,  had  com- 
mented on  the  frivolous  tastes  and  manners  of  the  amiable  and 
harmless  young  man. 

"  I  must  be  more  careful  in  future,"  thought  she.  "  For  my 
own  sake,  and  the  sake  of  the  world's  opinion,  I  shall  be  cir- 
cumspect, and  he  shall  never  again  have  cause  to  feel  vexed 
with  me  on  this  point. 


MABEL    VAUGTIAN.  213 

"  And  so  he  believed  me  dazzled  by  the  prospect  of  a  bril- 
liant fortune ;  and  is  that  so  very  strange  ?  it  has  blinded 
many  a  better  girl  than  I.  What  should  he  know  of  my 
actual  tastes,  my  love  of  simplicity,  my  hatred  of  display  ?  He 
has  seen  me  only  surrounded  by  the  trappings  of  wealth,  and 
the  object  of  the  greatest  flattery.  Can  he  picture  me  as  I  was 
in  my  country  home  at  Mrs.  Herbert's  ?  or  imagine  with  what 
joy  I  should  shake  off  the  fetters  and  chains  of  this  artificial 
life,  and  devote  myself  to  the  sweet  and  welcome  tasks  which 
constitute  the  comfort  of  a  domestic  fireside  ?  I  have  been 
unjust  to  myself  and  to  him  ;  I  have  appeared  before  him  only 
in  a  false  character,  and  yet  I  expect  him  to  believe  me  true. 
Henceforward  he  shall  know  me  as  I  am." 

Thus,  by  a  process  of  reasoning,  in  which  the  heart,  and  not 
the  head,  furnished  arguments,  Mabel  had  finally  arrived  at  a 
conclusion  which  left  her,  as  she  believed,  still  mistress  of  her 
own  destiny.  She  had  but  to  exercise  the  frankness,  simplicity, 
and  truth,  which  were  her  own  native  characteristics,  and,  with 
the  knowledge  she  had  obtained  of  Dudley's  sensitive  distrust, 
she  should  have  no  difficulty  in  removing  it. 

More  precious  than  ever  now  seemed  the  opportunity 
afforded  by  the  approaching  journey!  We  have  seen  with 
what  fond  and  romantic  anticipations  she  had  already  looked 
forward  to  the  escape  from  city  thraldom,  to  the  enjoyment  of 
a  few  weeks  commune  with  nature,  and  with  one  whom  she 
deemed  nature's  fit  interpreter,  but  now  this  long-talked-of 
excursion  had  suddenly  assumed  a  new  significance,  a  vital 
interest;  it  had  become,  as  it  were,  the  crisis  of  her  life. 

"  No  need  of  all  this  finery,"  thought  she,  as  she  hastily 
folded  and  put  out  of  sight  the  offending  articles  of  dress,  the 
nervous  trembling  of  her  busy  fingers  keeping  time  to  the 
impatient  fluttering  of  the  young  heart  yearning  for  an  occa- 
sion to  prove  the  genuineness  of  its  devotion.  "  Travelling 
furnishes  no  necessity  for  elaborate  toilettes,"  was  her  exulting 
reflection ;  "  it  imposes  none  of  the  restrictions  of  city  life. 
For  a  while,  at  least,  I  can  act  myself,  and  be  happy  in  the 
way  I  love  best." 


214  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

And  how  were  these  sentiments  responded  to  by  the  man 
for  whose  sake  this  devoted  young  heart  would  have  deemed 
nothing  a  sacrifice  ?  Was  this  ready  self-consecration  met 
with  corresponding  zeal  ? 

Alas!  Mrs.  Vannecker  —  maneuvering,  gossiping,  worldly 
woman  though  she  was  —  had  spoken  some  homely  truths. 
The  cold,  calculating,  selfish  Dudley  well  deserved  the  name 
of  hypocrite,  —  for  who  is  a  greater  hypocrite  than  he  who 
stamps  another  as  a  coward,  while  he  himself  is  ready  to  play 
the  poltroon.  He  had  dared  to  question  Mabel's  disinterested- 
ness and  capability  of  self-sacrifice  ;  could  his  own  soul  have 
denied  the  truth,  that  he  himself  was  guilty  of  the  very  weak- 
ness he  contemned  in  another  ?  Mrs.  Vannecker  had  pro- 
claimed his  want  of  confidence  in  the  woman  he  professed  to 
love,  but  this  was  but  half  the  truth ;  for  truer,  sadder,  more 
fatal  still  —  he  had  no  confidence  in  himself,  the  idol  whom  he 
loved  supremely. 

Thus,  while  seeing  more  plainly  than  Mabel  did  the  obsta- 
cles to  their  union,  unlike  her  he  felt  no  generous  ardor  to 
overleap  them  at  a  bound.  It  was  true  her  habits  were  ex- 
pensive, but  so  too  were  his,  and  confirmed  by  long  indulgence. 
The  whole  of  his  moderate  income  was  but  just  sufficient  for 
his  selfish  wants  ;  was  there,  then,  anything  to  spare  ?  He 
knew  very  well  that  only  by  a  strenuous  and  manly  exercise 
of  his  talents  and  gifts,  only  by  entering  heart  and  hand  into 
the  contest  with  fortune,  could  he  achieve  such  a  position  of 
usefulness  and  honor  as  would  bring  with  it  the  pecuniary 
independence  which  he  lacked.  And  for  this  he  had  neither 
the  energy,  the  will,  nor,  above  all,  the  faith ;  faith  in  his  own 
powers  of  persevering  endeavor,  —  faith  in  noble  purpose,  and 
in  the  providence  which  is  sure  to  reward  well  directed  effort 
with  success. 

What !  forego  his  wayward  journeyings,  desultory  studies, 
and  artistic  pursuits,  and,  plunging  into  the  vortex  of  busy 
life,  task  all  his  powers  to  win  for  himself  a  place  among 
earnest  men!  His  self-indulgent  sensitiveness  recoiled  from 
the  idea.  Abandon  the  refined  circles  of  conventional  society, 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  215 

forego  the  privilege  of  intellectual  opportunity,  and  relinquish 
the  luxurious  ease  of  a  bachelor's  establishment,  for  the  seclu- 
sion, the  privations,  and  the  every  day  responsibilities  of  do- 
mestic life  !  His  aristocratic  and  fastidious  nature  spurned 
the  thought. 

"  A  few  weeks  more  within  the  sphere  of  pretty  Mabel's 
smiles,"  was  his  reflection,  as  whiling  away  the  warm  hours  of 
the  day,  stretched  on  a  couch  in  an  apartment  at  his  club,  he 
lazily  watched  the  blue  curling  smoke  of  his  cigar  —  "a  jour- 
ney to  the  Falls  in  company  with  this  interesting  and  beautiful 
young  enthusiast,  and  then,"  —  he  sighed,  —  for  he  would  have 
loved  Mabel,  had  there  been  room  in  his  heart  for  so  disin- 
terested an  emotion.  "  Well  —  ah,  well !  each  season  brings 
with  it  its  pleasures  and  its  claims.  A  trip  to  the  Sandwich 
Islands  next,  perhaps,  —  they  say  the  climate  is  unsurpassed." 

Had  there  been  an  electric  communication  between  his  heart 
and  Mabel's,  her  airy  castles  of  bliss  would  have  fallen  as 
beneath  the  lightning  blast ;  but  there  was  no  such  magnetic 
link,  and  she  went  dreaming  on. 

She  was  still  occupied  with  her  own  glowing  and  painfully 
exciting  meditations,  when  her  solitude  was  suddenly  broken  in 
upon  by  one,  who  of  late  seldom  intruded  within  her  precincts. 

It  was  Harry.  He  came  in,  heated  with  exercise,  and  there 
was  something  of  the  ease  and  freedom  of  his  old  manner  in 
the  unconcerned  air  with  which  he  stretched  himself  on  his 
sister's  comfortable  sofa,  and  wiped  the  moisture  from  his 
brow. 

"  It  is  very  warm,"  said  Mabel. 

"  Confounded  hot,"  replied  Harry,  taking  up  the  fan  Mrs. 
Vannecker  had  been  using.  "  I  never  knew  such  weather  in 
May  before.  I  believe  you  've  got  the  coolest  place  in  the 
house,  though." 

There  was  a  pause ;  the  subject  of  the  weather  exhausted, 
this  brother  and  sister,  once  so  confiding,  were  at  a  loss  for 
anything  to  say. 

After  a  few  moments,  however,  Harry  broke  at  once  tlie 
silence  and  constraint  with  the  abrupt  remark,  "  So  we  are  to 


216  MABEL    V  A  UGH  AN. 

have  a  new  character  in  the  family."  Mabel  colored  and  ex- 
perienced a  nervous  tremor  ;  she  feared  the  re-mark  had  some 
reference  to  herself.  She  was  reassured  on  this  point,  how- 
ever, as  Harry  continued  in  a  tone  of  half-playful,  half-indig- 
nant irony,  "Yes,  nothing  less  than  a  lawyer,  —  a  rusty,  fusty 
lawyer.  It  is  all  cut  and  dried,  without  the  slightest  reference 
to  the  principal  party  concerned  ;  old  Judge  Paradox's  office 
in  L.  is,  I  am  told,  the  mint  in  which  I  am  to  be  coined  into  a 
legal  instrument ; "  and  Harry  laughed  a  bitter  laugh. 

Mabel  made  no  reply  to  this  communication ;  she  felt  reluc- 
tant to  acknowledge  to  Harry  that  she  had  already  learned  the 
tidings  from  her  father. 

Harry,  evidently  engaged  in  some  mental  process,  uttered 
at  intervals  an  exclamation  of  angry  scorn,  then  at  length 
gave  further  vent  to  his  feelings  in  the  sudden  outbreak  ;  — 
"  A  pretty  piece  of  business !  a  ridiculous  farce  !  to  undertake 
to  treat  a  man  as  if  he  were  still  a  boy  !  Though  a  boy,  even, 
if  he  had  any  spirit,  would  object,  I  think,  to  being  disposed 
of  in  this  way  !  " 

Mabel  now  understood  that  Mr.  Vanghan's  arrangements 
had  been  made  without  Harry's  knowledge,  or  the  slightest 
reference  to  his  wishes,  and  her  quick  mind  saw  at  once  the 
probable  consequences  of  this  injudicious  step.  She  knew 
how  vain  it  was  to  endeavor  thus  to  control  the  youth,  who 
never,  from  his  infancy,  had  submitted  to  restraint. 

As  if  to  give  plausibility  to  tlie  scheme,  however,  she  re- 
marked,—  "But,  Harry,  you  always  preferred  that  profession; 
I  always  supposed  you  would  decide  upon  it." 

"  What  if  I  did,"  said  Harry,  sharply.  "  Is  this  the  season 
of  the  year  to  commence  a  dry  study ;  and  is  the  atmosphere 
of  L.  likely  to  awaken  a  man's  ambition  ?  No,  my  father  is 
much  mistaken  if  he  thinks  I  shall  put  myself  under  the  gov- 
ernment of  an  antediluvian  judge,  or  be  tied  to  the  apron 
strings  of  two  old  women.  You  can  take  up  your  residence 
with  the  aunties  if  you  choose,  and  sit  between  them  all  day, 
learning  the  art  of  stocking-knitting ;  but  as  for  me,  I  can 
assure  you,  my  imagination  takes  a  higher  flight."  And  as  he 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  217 

finished  speaking,  he  compressed  his  lips,  and  threw  his  head 
back  on  the  sofa  cushions  with  an  air  of  resolution  not  to  be 
mistaken. 

"  But,  Harry,"  exclaimed  Mabel,  "  think  how  you  will  dis- 
appoint father.  I  have  no  doubt  his  arrangements  with  his 
old  friend  are  all  completed."  Her  conscience  smote  her  as 
she  spoke.  Was  it  for  her  to  remind  her  brother  of  his  duty  ? 
Had  she  not  also  been  included  in  her  father's  plans,  and  had 
she  not  in  like  manner  proved  refractory  ? 

"  Look  well  to  your  diplomacy,  then,"  said  Harry.  "  I 
shall  charge  you  with  a  commission  to  his  old  friend,  and  trust 
to  you  to  execute  it  faithfully.  Tell  him  that  the  air  of  his 
neighborhood  does  not  suit  my  constitution,  —  that  I  feel  my- 
self called  upon  to  try  a  different  climate,  —  that  I  have  a 
great  repugnance  to  being  buried  in  L.  You  start  next  week, 
I  suppose,  on  your  enviable  visit  ?  " 

"  Mine  ? "  asked  Mabel,  with  evident  embarrassment. 
"  What,  my  visit  to  my  aunt  Margaret  ?  " 

"  Certainly ;  have  you  not  yet  been  informed  of  your  agree- 
able destiny  ?" 

"Yes — no,"  said  Mabel  with  hesitation;  "at  least,  I 
mean  —  " 

"You  don't  mean  to  back  out,  I  hope,"  said  Harry,  drawing 
down  the  corners  of  his  mouth,  and  speaking  in  a  tone  of  mock 
reproof. 

With  mortification  and  difficulty,  Mabel  faltered  out  the 
words,  "  Why — it  happened  so,  that  I  was  thinking  of  another 
journey  just  at  this  time,  and  I  concluded  that  —  that  —  " 

"  That  the  air  of  L.  would  not  suit  you,"  said  Harry,  with 
emphasis,  and  a  meaning  laugh ;  and  here  he  precisely  echoed 
her  tones  of  a  moment  before, — "  think  how  you  will  disappoint 
father." 

"  Oh,  but  it  does  not  matter  so  much  where  I  go,"  said 
Mabel,  anxious  to  excuse  herself. 

Harry  would  listen  to  no  such  excuse,  however.  Her  self- 
indulgence  and  opposition  to  their  father  had,  for  the  present, 
placed  her  precisely  upon  his  own  level.  He  rallied  her  upon 
19 


218  MABEL   VAUGHJLN. 

her  hypocritical  attempt  to  awaken  his  filial  sentiments,  con- 
gratulated her  upon  her  escape  from  parental  thraldom,  and  on 
the  strength  of  the  kindred  tie  established  by  their  mutual  re- 
bellion, so  far  resumed  his  brotherly  right  to  her  confidence  as 
to  inquire  into  the  nature  of  the  trip  she  had  in  view,  and  the 
expected  companions  of  the  journey. 

Mabel  sketched  the  plan  of  the  tour,  and  enumerated  the 
party,  closing  with  the  name  of  Lincoln  Dudley 

At  the  last  utterance,  Harry's  only  comment  \>as  an  audible 
a  pshaw ! "  which  Mabel  well  understood ;  for  she  had  become 
instinctively  conscious  that  the  friendship  once  existing  between 
her  brother  and  Dudley  had  given  place  to  something  less  than 
indifference. 

Harry  had  risen  from  his  recumbent  posture  on  the  sofa,  and 
flood  apparently  surveying  a  picture  which  hung  on  the  wall, 
but  there  was  a  bitterness  in  his  expression  that  could  scarcely 
have  been  called  up  by  the  subject  represented  on  the  canvas. 

"  If  you  don't  go  to  L.,"  said  Mabel,  diffidently,  and  with 
painful  hesitation,  "  you  had  better  go  with  us." 

"  I ! "  exclaimed  Harry,  turning  upon  her  almost  fiercely  — 
"  not  I.  I  certainly  should  start  for  L.  at  once,  if  joining  that 
party  were  the  only  alternative;"  and,  with  these  words,  he 
abruptly  turned  on  his  heel  and  left  the  room. 

Once  more  alone,  Mabel  would  gladly  have  resumed  her 
castle  building  —  but  in  vain;  flattering  visions  might  dazzle 
and  bewilder  her,  but  she  no  longer  dared  unhesitatingly  pur- 
sue them.  There  was  a  something  which  held  her  back. 
Never  had  the  simple  voice  of  duty  asserted  itself  with  such 
force  as  now.  It  seemed  to  whisper  in  stern  and  solemn  tones, 
"  Child  of  earth,  beware  !  thy  pathway  here  divides ;  thou  art 
free  to  turn  either  to  the  right  hand  or  the  left,  but  thou  canst 
not  act  for  thyself  alone.  Perhaps  thy  choice  may  involve 
thine  aged  father's  peace,  and  determine  the  ruin  or  reforma- 
tion of  thy  brother.  Mark  then,  and  choose  aright." 

It  haunted  her  until  nightfall.  It  robbed  her  of  her  earlier 
nours  of  sleep,  it  mingled  in  her  later  dreams,  it  greeted  her  at 
ihe  morning  light, — and  still  she  refused  to  listen. 


CHAPTER    XX. 

They  who  have  rarest  joy,  know  joy's  true  measure ; 

They  who  most  suffer,  value  sufferings  pause ; 
They  who  but  seldom  taste  the  simplest  pleasure, 

Kneel  oftenest  to  the  Giver  and  the  Cause. 

MRS.   JsTOETOBT, 

SUMMER,  gentle,  balmy  summer,  had  found  its  way  even  to 
the  dreary  part  of  the  city  in  which  Rosy  lived.  It  came  not 
in  bright  streams  of  sunshine,  breezes  heavily  laden  with 
sweets,  or  the  music  of  gaily  singing  birds.  The  close,  dark 
rows  of  buildings  obscured  the  light,  barred  out  the  prospect, 
and  interrupted  the  refreshing  gales,  while  the  harsh  and  un- 
harmonious  noises  of  the  street  alone  fell  on  the  listening  ear. 
Still  Rosy,  patiently  sitting  at  her  open  casement,  with  a  soul 
alive  to  its  opportunities  and  a  heart  grateful  to  their  source, 
saw  more  of  nature's  handiwork,  and  read  in  it  more  of  God, 
than  many  a  dull-eyed,  thoughtless  traveller  who,  permitted  to 
rove  amid  earth's  fairest  scenes,  shuts  his  eye  to  their  beauty 
and  grandeur,  and  closes  his  ear  to  their  sacred  influence. 

The  little  tufts  of  grass  which  had  sprung  up  at  the  corners 
of  the  opposite  archway,  had  been  watched  in  their  growth  by 
Rosy,  ever  since  the  first  green  blade  obtruded  between  the 
uneven  pavement  and  the  foundation  stones  of  the  wall.  The 
morning  sun,  for  an  hour  or  more,  shone  on  them  with  its 
cheering  beams,  the  afternoon  shower  refreshed  them  with  its 
gentle  moisture,  and  day  by  day  the  sick  child  gleaned  from  this 
her  humble  garden  plot  fresh  proofs  of  the  love  of  Him  who 
watcheth  over  all.  Within  the  narrow  range  of  her  vision, 
early  vegetables  and  summer  fruits  were  disposed  in  tempting 
array,  each  rivalling  the  other  in  its  perfection  and  richness; 
and  every  successive  luxury  of  the  season,  as  it  appeared  in  its 


220  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

turn,  awakened  in  HOST'S  heart,  loving  and  grateful  thoughts 
of  Him  who  is  the  universal  and  bountiful  Provider.  The 
noble  team-horses,  whose  morning  exit  from  the  archway  she 
hailed  with  a  daily  smile  of  welcome,  seldom  now  returned  at 
noon  or  nightfall  without  a  branch  of  oak,  willow,  or  birch, 
waving  above  their  heads,  while  the  glow  of  contentment  and 
self-satisfaction  which  shone  in  the  young  teamster's  face,  no 
less  than  the  sprig  of  lilac  which  occasionally  adorned  his  hat, 
proved  that  he  had  been  engaged  in  more  cheering  labors,  and 
among  more  exhilarating  scenes,  than  those  which  the  city- 
afforded. 

The  little  tufts  of  grass  were  all  that  poor  Rosy  knew*  of 
green  fields  and  verdant  waysides ;  the  early  vegetables  and 
fruits  which  she  saw,  but  seldom  tasted,  furnished  her  sole  ex- 
perience of  summer's  wealth  and  bounty ;  and  the  branches 
which  waved  over  the  heads  of  the  heated  and  weary  team- 
horses,  alone  afforded  proof  of  the  sweet  and  refreshing  repose 
which  might  be  found  beneath  the  greenwood  shade. 

But  it  was  something  to  know,  that  somewhere  beyond  the 
city  lay  the  country,  as  beyond  this  world  the  Heaven  of  her 
hopes;  and  imagination  could  sun  itself  in  the  joys  of  the  one, 
as  the  yearning  soul  could  long  and  pant  for  the  glory,  the 
peace,  and  the  final  rest  of  the  other. 

As  she  watched  the  grass  grow  beneath  the  archway,  in  the 
sweet  dreams  of  fancy  her  crippled  form  strayed  among  ver- 
dant fields  and  sat  down  by  rippling  streams ;  as  she  surveyed 
the  tempting  display  in  the  green-grocer's  shop,  she  tasted,  by 
means  of  some  inward  sense,  rich  fruits  whose  names  she 
scarcely  knew ;  as  the  gentle  breeze  waved  the  green  boughs 
above  the  horses'  heads,  she  seemed  to  hear  the  soft  sighing  of 
the  summer  wind  as  it  swept  through  the  arches  of  a  boundless 
forest.  And  when,  to  crown  her  satisfaction,  the  ruddy,  laugh- 
ing teamster  gaily  lifted  his  hat,  removed  the  lilac  branch  from 
its  crown,  and  flung  the  cluster  of  purple  flowers  into  the  lap 
of  the  pleased,  astonished  child,  Ceres  herself,  with  all  her 
treasures,  was  not  more  richly  laden. 

But  summer,  among  its  precious  gifts,  has  brought  no  glow 


MABEL    VADGIIAN.  221 

of  health  to  the  cheek,  no  renewal  of  strength  to  the  limbs  of 
the  wasted  girl.  The  close  confinement  of  the  long  winter  had 
left  her  more  enfeebled  than  ever ;  the  rough  winds  of  the  early 
spring  had  rudely  pierced  to  the  seat  of  her  fragile  life ;  and 
now,  the  sudden  heat  which  has  succeeded  serves  only  to  ener- 
vate still  further  her  sunken  and  perishing  frame.  Cheerfully, 
serenely,  hopefully  as  ever,  the  calm  blue  eyes  are  searching 
with  their  earnest,  steadfast  gaze,  into  the  things  which  are  not 
but  are  soon  to  be  ; — looking  into  the  depths  of  that  future,  no 
longer  distant,  but  seemingly  close  at  hand.  Like  the  pilgrim 
who,  after  long  wanderings,  arrives  at  last  without  the  walls  of 
the  promised  city,  and  is  anxious  only  for  the  morning  light 
which  shall  admit  him  within  its  gates,  so  she,  standing  at 
Heaven's  portal,  seems  only  to  await  the  dawn  which  shall 
usher  her  in. 

The  widow  Hope  moves  about  her  little  domain  with  the 
same  measured,  dragging  step  as  ever,  presides  at  her  narrow 
counter,  and  displays  her  humble  wares  with  the  same  mechani- 
cal, half-vacant  air,  and  betrays  in  her  demeanor  a  rigid,  unal- 
tered apathy  of  grief  and  disappointment.  Now  and  then, 
however,  her  dull  eye  is  fixed  upon  her  child  with  a  deep, 
searching  glance  of  maternal  anxiety  and  dread,  and  as  she 
turns  away  and  engages  in  some  household  task,  a  deep-drawn 
sigh,  or  half-uttered  groan,  gives  evidence  that  the  poor  heart's 
capacity  for  suffering  is  not  exhausted  yet. 

Nor  is  the  remembrance  of  past  happiness  effaced  beyond 
recall.  The  softness  of  the  summer  air,  the  sight  of  Rosy's 
lilac  branch,  the  well-known  perfume  of  its  flowers, — all  serve 
to  awaken  within  her  the  recollection  of  days  gone  by.  She 
lifts  the  broken-handled  mug  which  contains  the  fragrant  blos- 
soms, and,  as  she  inhales  their  familiar  breath,  a  vision  rises 
before  her  of  her  childhood's  homej —  the  green  and  sloping 
meadow  which  stretched  before  the  door,  the  old  stone  step, 
worn  smooth  by  childish  feet,  the  lilac  bushes  which  graced  it 
on  either  side,  and  the  robins  which  yearly  built  their  nests 
and  sang  there.  She  hears  her  brothers  and  sisters  at  their 
play,  her  mother's  step  within  the  house,  her  father's  voice 
19*  . 


222  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

outside,  and  the  voice  of  Rosy's  father  whispering  in  her  ear. 
It  might  be  sad  to  muse  on  joys  forever  flown,  but,  if  so,  it  was 
a  pleasing  sadness,  for  again  and  again  she  bends  her  care- 
worn head  over  the  rustic  nosegay,  reads,  in  it  a  record  of  her 
girlhood,  and  turns  away  to  muse  upon  the  page. 

"  O  Rose ! "  exclaimed  she,  as  her  thoughts,  after  straying 
awhile  amid  the  past,  led  her  back  to  the  stern  reality  of  the 
present,  "  O  Rose !  how  I  wish  you  could  go  up  to  the  old 
farm,  if  it  were  only  for  a  week ;  your  uncle  Jonas  would  be 
glad  to  have  you  come,  I  know,  and  the  very  sight  of  the  place 
would  do  you  good!"  And  as  the  poor  mother  reflected  on 
the  impossibility  of  carrying  this  wish  into  effect,  she  drew  the 
deepest  sigh  that  had  escaped  her  yet. 

Rose  sighed,  too  —  a  soft,  low,  scarcely  audible  sigh.  If  the 
poor  child  had  a  selfish  wish  on  earth,  it  was  to  visit  the  old 
farm. 

The  same  bright  morning  which  bore  witness  to  the  widow's 
heart-sick  despondency,  and  the  hopelessness  of  Rose's  earthly 
longings,  found  the  fashionable  world  of  New  York  elated  and 
eager  in  the  prospect  of  a  festive  occasion,  which  promised  to 
be  as  brilliant  and  successful  as  it  was  exciting  and  novel.  It 
was  the  day  of  Fan  Broadhead's  marriage  with  the  Colonel, 
and  after  the  nuptial  ceremony  at  Grace  church,  the  bridal 
party  were  to  proceed  to  the  bridegroom's  country  residence,  a 
few  miles  up  the  Hudson,  where  a  grand  reception  of  guests 
was  to  be  held  in  the  open  air ;  the  beautiful  grounds  belonging 
to  the  estate  having  been  decorated  and  prepared  in  a  style 
rarely  attempted  in  our  fickle  and  unpropitious  climate.  Every- 
thing, therefore,  depended  on  the  weather ;  and  if  sunshine  and 
gentle  breezes  could  have  been  propitiated  or  bribed,  a  more 
perfect  day  could  not  have  cheered  the  hearts  of  the  numerous 
aspirants  after  pleasure.  Hair-dressers  and  ladies-maids  were 
called  into  requisition  at  day-break ;  spring  bonnets,  whose  ex- 
quisite array  of  buds  and  flowers  had  been  carefully  secreted 
until  now,  bloomed  out  of  their  various  band-boxes ;  the  flounces 
of  rich  silks  rustled  and  rattled  as  if  asserting  their  rival  merits  ; 
and  white-gloved  coachmen,  mounted  on  the  boxes  of  freshly- 


MABEL    VAUGHAIV.  223 

varnished  carriages,  surveyed  their  own  stately  equipages  with 
pride,  and  bestowed  disparaging  glances  on  those  of  their  mas- 
ters' neighbors. 

And  now,  one  after  another,  these  showy  establishments, 
decked  like  their  occupants  in  all  the  panoply  of  pride,  rolled 
in  various  directions  from  street  to  street,  and  finally  swept  up 
the  wide  avenue  leading  from  the  city,  bearing  with  them  the 
beauty,  the  wealth,  and  the  fashion  of  the  metropolis.  • 

"  Mabel,  what  in  the  world  can  have  become  of  Donald  ?  " 
exclaimed  Mrs.  Leroy,  in  an  agony  of  impatience  ; — a  state  of 
mind  which  was  not  improved  by  a  sudden  rent  in  her  delicate 
glove,  the  consequence  of  an  angry  twitch  on  the  part  of  the 
irritated  lady. 

"  I  can  not  imagine,"  replied  Mabel,  outwardly  more  calm 
than  her  sister,  but  betraying  scarcely  less  annoyance,  as  she 
glanced  at  a  clock  on  the  mantle-piece,  and  then  looked  anx- 
iously down  the  street. 

"  We  shall  be  too  late,"  said  Louise,  in  a  reproachful  tone ; 
"  every  body  has  driven  by.  I  wish  I  had  gone  by  myself. 
Donald  is  always  behind  the  time." 

Mabel  made  no  reply,  but  continued  gazing  from  the  win- 
dow, not  a  little  chafed  at  the  selfishness  of  her  sister's  com- 
plaints. 

This  unforeseen  delay  and  disappointment  were  the  result 
of  a  discovery  made  by  Mabel's  coachman,  as  she  alighted  at 
the  hotel  where  she  had,  according  to  agreement,  called  for 
Mrs.  Leroy.  One  of  the  wheels  of  the  new  barouche,  a  recent 
birth-day  gift  from  her  father,  was  imperfectly  adjusted,  and 
Donald  declared  it  impossible  to  take  the  anticipated  drive  until 
the  difficulty  was  remedied.  He  was  suffered  to  depart,  there- 
fore, for  this  purpose,  upon  the  assurance  that  he  should  be 
absent  half  an  hour  only,  at  the  most. 

The  time  was  long  past,  however,  and  still  he  did  not  return. 
Mrs.  Leroy's  childish  and  fretful  impatience  increased  every 
moment ;  and  Mabel,  in  addition  to  her  own  share  of  vexation, 
found  herself  the  victim  of  Louise's  uncontrollable  ill  temper 
and  unsparing  invective.  She  should  not  have  suffered  Donald 


224  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

out  of  her  sight  for  a  moment  on  such  an  important  oc 
faithless  creature  that  he  was.  Or,  at  least,  why  did  she  i. 
tell  him  to  bring  the  close  carriage  .instead  of  the  barouche? 
he  could  have  made  the  exchange  in  half  the  time  that  he  had 
kept  them  waiting — it  would  have  been  better  to  go  in  that 
stifled  thing  than  not  to  go  at  all.  It  was  no  more  than  fair 
that  Mabel  should  abide  by  her  own  poor  management,  but  it 
was  hard — yes,  she  must  say  it  was  a  little  too  hard — that 
she  also  should  be*  the  sufferer  by  such  folly.  And  angrily 
calling  to  Lydia  to  bring  her  a  fresh  pair  of  gloves,  and  harshly 
repulsing  Murray,  who  accidentally  trod  on  one  end  of  her  lace 
mantilla,  she  threw  herself  into  a  seat  in  a  despairing  attitude, 
and  pouted  and  sulked  for  some  minutes  like  a  spoiled  child. 

"  Hark ! "  exclaimed  she  at  length.  "  Is  n't  that  Mr.  Earle's 
voice  ?  Yes,  it  certainly  is ;  he  was  to  call  here  for  young 
Van  Rosberg,  and  Van  Rosberg  is  gone.  He  was  invited  to 
act  as  groomsman,  and  went  early  with  the  bridal  party."  And 
the  next  moment  her  light  figure  disappeared  through  the  door 
which  opened  into  the  hall,  and  Mabel  lost  her  final  words, 
which  were  to  the  effect  that  there  would  probably  then  be  a 
vacant  seat  in  Mr.  Earle's  carriage.  "  How  fortunate  if  it 
were  so  ! " 

A  moment  after,  a  waiter  appeared  at  the  drawing-room  door, 
to  say  that  Mrs.  Leroy  had  gone  to  Riverside  with  Mrs.  Earle, 
and  hoped  Miss  Vaughan  would  be  in  season  to  overtake  them 
on  the  road. 

Characteristic  as  this  manoeuvre  was  in  Mrs.  Leroy,  Mabel's 
feelings  were  deeply  hurt  at  the  selfishness  and  unsisterly 
effrontery  which  it  evinced.  "I  can  not  go  now,  at  any 
rate,"  thought  she.  "  Louise  knew  very  well  that  I  should 
give  it  up  altogether  if  she  deserted  me  in  this  way."  And  no 
longer  anxious  for  the  arrival  of  the  carriage,  she  deliberately 
removed  her  bonnet  and  sat  down  to  meditate  on  her  disap- 
pointment. 

Unconsciously  to  herself,  she  had  looked  forward  to  this  fes- 
tivity with  an  interest  never  before  awakened  by  any  similar 
occasion.  Not  because  the  bride  and  bridegroom  were  at  the 


3IABEL    VAUGHAN.  225 

height  of  fashion;  not  because  all  the  world  would  be  present  to 
do  them  honor;  nor  because  it  would  be  for  her  a  new  opportu- 
nity to  achieve  conquests  and  triumphs:  such  motives  and  reflec- 
tions had  given  no  glow  to  her  anticipations,  and  now  added  no 
sting  to  her  disappointment.  The  simple  thought  of  her  heart 
had  been,  "  Dudley  is  the  bridegroom's  nephew ;  Dudley  will 
be  there.  I  shall  read  my  triumph  in  his  presence,  and  achieve 
in  his  approving  smile  the  only  conquest  that  I  crave." 

Perhaps,  too,  though  she  knew  it  not,  her  secret  soul  looked 
to  him  to  exorcise  with  his  eye,  his  voice,  his  smile,  the  spirits 
of  disquiet  and  self-questioning  which  had  for  the  last  few  days 
warred  constantly  with  her  peace ;  perhaps  she  trusted  to  his 
magnetic  influence  to  hush  the  voice  of  warning,  make  a  treaty 
with  her  conscience,  and  reconcile  her  to  herself. 

How  aggravating,  then,  the  loss  of  this  opportunity,  the  only 
one  she  could  possibly  expect  before  starting  on  her  journey, 
it  being  Dudley's  well-known  purpose  to  accompany  the  bridal 
party  to  Albany,  where  other  festivities  awaited  them,  and  join 
the  excursionists  on  their  arrival  at  that  city,  which  was  to  be 
the  first  point  on  their  route. 

Whatever  hopes  she  might  have  based  on  this  long-antici- 
pated occasion,  she  now  found  them  suddenly  annihilated,  and 
herself  oppressed  with  a  painful  sense  of  loneliness,  injustice, 
and  injury.  She  would  have  given  vent  to  her  feelings  in  a 
burst  of  tears,  but  for  the  presence  of  her  sister's  children,  who, 
while  they  acted  as  a  restraint  upon  her,  evinced  at  the  same 
time  a  childlike  sympathy  in  her  disappointment,  which  touched 
and  soothed  her  sensitive  nature. 

"  Has  mother  gone  without  you,  auntie  ?  "  exclaimed  Alick ; 
"  that 's  real  mean ! "  while  Murray,  climbing  into  a  chair, 
stretched  his  head  out  of  the  window  and  made,  every  instant, 
eager  but,  as  it  proved,  false  reports  of  the  arrival  of  the  car- 
riage. 

"  Never  mind,  Murray,  I  sha'n't  go  now,"  said  Mabel,  after 
nearly  an  hour  had  elapsed ;  "  it  is  too  late." 

"Oh,  here  it  is,  really,"  shouted  Murray,  "I  see  Donald 
driving  like  any  thing !  Oh,  what  a  splendid  barouche ! "  and 


226  MABEL   VAUGHAN. 

Alick,  convinced  that  this  time  his  brother's  announcement  was 
to  be  relied  upon,  ran  to  the  window  and  confirmed  the  joyful 
fact,  by  joining  in  Murray's  panegyric  upon  the  gay  and  beau- 
tiful equipage. 

"  Are  n't  you  going,  after  all  ?  "  inquired  he,  in  a  disappointed 
tone,  observing  that  Mabel  was  standing  behind  him,  gazing 
moodily  and  vacantly  into  the  street,  and  making  no  movement 
to  resume  her  bonnet. 

"No,  Alick." 

The  boy  hung  down  his  head,  as  if  a  veto  had  been  put  upon 
some  favorite  scheme  of  his  own,  but  Murray,  conceiving  a 
new  idea,  cried  out,  eagerly,  "  Then,  auntie,  take  me  to  ride. 
Oh,  do,  take  me  a  little  way  in  the  new  barouche." 

"  Very  well,"  said  Mabel,  indifferently ;  "  ask  Lydia  for  your 
hat,  —  get  yours,  too,  Alick,"  and  pleased  at  the  delight  ex- 
hibited by  Murray,  she  tried  to  assume  a  gay  tone,  as  she  said, 
— "  \Ve  will  go  and  have  a  good  time  by  ourselves." 

Alick's  face  brightened,  as  Mabel  seemed  thus  to  promise 
herself  a  compensation  for  being  excluded  from  the  wedding 
festival,  and  by  the  time  they  gained  the  carriage,  the  boys,  at 
least,  were  both  in  high  spirits. 

Donald,  comprehending  at  once  the  consequences  of  his  long 
delay,  had  a  tedious  story  to  relate  in  reference  to  its  cause ; 
but  Mabel,  scarcely  hearing  his  explanation,  and  caring  little 
for  the  trivial  details  which  had  resulted,  as  she  deemed,  so 
disastrously,  accepted  his  apology  in  silence,  and  bade  him 
drive  on,  purposely  choosing  a  direction  opposite  to  that  leading 
to  Riverside. 

They  had  proceeded  but  a  little  distance  down  Broadway, 
however,  when,  seized  with  a  new  idea,  she  suddenly  altered 
her  purpose,  and  requested  the  coachman  to  turn  and  drive 
home.  Alick  looked  at  her  inquiringly;  Murray  began  to 
whimper ;  but  her  smile  re-assured  them.  "  Only  for  a  moment, 
darling,"  said  she,  in  a  soothing  tone,  to  Murray ;  "  I  shall  not 
get  out  of  the  carriage,  I  wish  to  speak  to  Cecilia.  Ring  the 
bell,  Donald,"  said  she,  as  they  stopped  before  her  father's 
door;  and  as  the  footman  appeared  and  ran  down  the  steps  to 


MABEL   VAUGHAN.  227 

take  her  orders,  she  exclaimed,  to  the  astonishment  of  her 
hearers,  "  ask  Cecilia  to  bring  my  warm  Scotch  shawl  and  a 
pillow  —  two  pillows,  Robert,"  continued  she,  as  he  turned  to 
fulfil  her  directions. 

The  smiling  Cecilia  soon  appeared  with  the  articles,  which 
were  deposited  in  the  carriage. 

"  Are  we  going  to  be  gone  all  night  ? "  asked  Murray,  in 
some  alarm,  while  Alick's  face  contained  a  volume  of  ques- 
tions. 

But  Mabel  only  smiled  in  reply. 

"  Turn  here,"  said  she,  at  length,  to  Donald,  as  they  reached 
the  entrance  of  a  narrow  street. 

"  Oh !  I  know,  I  know  ! "  shouted  the  usually  quiet  Alick,  as 
he  observed  that  they  were  taking  the  direction  leading  to  the 
widow  Hope's,  "  you  are  going  to  take  Rosy  out  to  drive." 

Mabel  nodded  in  assent. 

Murray  sprang  up  and  down  on  the  carriage  seat,  and  clapped 
his  hands  in  an  extasy  of  delight. 

Alick  scanned  his  aunt's  face  pensively,  admiringly.  Mabel 
almost  forgot  her  recent  and  bitter  disappointment,  in  the 
thought  of  the  pleasure  she  was  about  to  impart. 

But  who  shall  paint  the  rapture  of  surprise,  excitement,  and 
delight,  which  reigned  in  the  widow's  home,  when  the  prancing 
horses  were  reined  in  before  the  door,  when  the  object  of  their 
coming  was  announced,  and  the  thoughtful  preparations  for  the 
little  invalid's  comfort  placed  the  incredible  fact  beyond  a  doubt. 
Tears  streamed  down  the  cheeks  of  the  happy,  grateful  child, 
and  the  undemonstrative  mother  so  far  forgot  her  wonted  re- 
serve as  -to  lay  her  hand  on  Mabel's  shoulder  and  exclaim, 
"  Bless  your  heart,  she  was  just  longing  to  have  a  peep  at  the 
country  !  Why,  it  will  be  like  taking  her  to  paradise  ! " 

A  few  moments  more,  and  Rose,  supported  by  pillows,  and 
with  Mabel's  shawl  across  her  lap,  was  rolling  down  Broadway, 
in  the  easy,  luxurious  carriage,  her  thin,  pale  face,  and  slight, 
attenuated  figure,  forming  a  striking  contrast  to  the  rich  beauty 
and  graceful  proportions  of  Mabel,  who  was  leaning  forward, 
re-arranging  the  cushions  at  her  feet,  and  gently  inquiring 


228  MABEL    VJLUGHAN. 

whether  the  motion  of  the  carriage  fatigued  her.  Rose's  eyes 
wandered  up  and  down  the  street,  taking  in  at  a  glance  a 
thousand  interesting  objects,  while  Alick  and  Murray,  as  they 
watched  her  from  the  opposite  seat,  directed  her  attention  now 
to  one  thing  and  now  to  another,  betraying  in  their  animated 
faces  how  deeply  they  enjoyed  and  participated  in  her  pleasure. 

But  city  sights  and  sounds  were  comparatively  familiar  to 
Rosy,  and  although  the  drive  was  enlarging  her  knowledge 
and  experience,  nothing  as  yet  had  served  to  arouse  emotions 
altogether  unprecedented  and  novel.  As  they  approached  the 
battery,  however,  and  through  the  arches  of  its  lofty  elms  she 
caught  sight  of  the  deep  blue  waters  of  the  bay,  the  white  sails 
glistening  in  the  sun,  and  the  green  islands  beyond,  her  large 
eyes  dilated,  her  little  form  seemed  to  expand  and  elevate 
itself,  her  breast  heaved,  she  clasped  her  thin  transparent  hands, 
and  uttered  a  long-drawn  exclamation  of  wonder,  reverence, 
and  awe.  Mabel  and  the  boys  gazed  in  silent  satisfaction  at 
the  rapt  and  excited  child,  as,  lost  in  the  contemplation  of  this 
panorama  of  ocean,  earth,  and  sky,  she  manifested  in  her  face 
and  gestures  an  extasy  of  delight  such  as  words  would  have 
been  powerless  to  express. 

With  parted  lips  and  straining  eyes  she  continued  to  gaze, 
as  if  every  other  sense  was  absorbed  in  that  of  sight,  and  not 
until  some  overshadowing  buildings  shut  out  the  bewildering 
prospect,  did  she  relapse  into  her  wonted  composure.  As  the 
carriage  paused  a  moment  at  the  ferry,  while  awaiting  the  boat 
which  should  transport  it  to  the  opposite  shore,  the  child  slowly 
turned  her  head,  met  Mabel's  sympathetic  glance,  drew  a  long 
breath,  and,  with  a  smile  of  holy  joy,  sought  the  hand  of  her 
friend  and  pressed  it  with  grateful  fervor.  Still  she  spoke  not 
a  word,  as  if  fearful  to  break  the  spell  that  was  upon  her,  but 
with  patient  though  trembling  expectation,  waited  until  the 
revelation  of  beauty  and  enchantment  should  again  burst  upon 
her  sight. 

A  moment  more  and  they  were  launched  upon  the  transpa- 
rent waters  of  the  bay,  where,  with  nothing  to  interrupt  the 
vision  or  disturb  the  harmony  of  the  scene,  the  eye  might  rove 


MABEL   VAUGHAN.  229 

at  will  in  all  directions,  and  sweep  to  the  very  verge  of  the 
distant  horizon.  With  her  head  bent  forward,  the  light  breeze 
stirring  the  hair  on  her  blue-veined  temples,  and  her  cheek 
tinged  with  the  faint  flush  which  pleasure  and  excitement  had 
called  up,  the  invalid  girl  seemed  borne  into  a  new  creation 
and  animated  by  a  new  life.  As  if  some  earth-born  mortal 
had  strayed  beyond  its  native  sphere,  and  stood  with  bounding 
pulse  on  the  threshold  of  a  higher  existence,  so  this  suffering 
child,  emerging  from  the  darkness,  seclusion,  and  obscurity  in 
which  her  life  had  hitherto  been  shrouded,  seemed  to  rejoicCj 
expand,  and  glow,  as  if  in  the  presence  of  Deity. 

Nor  were  her  emotions  unshared  by  her  companions.  Ma- 
bel's heart  beat  high  with  unselfish  joy,  as  she  beheld  the 
light  which  sparkled  in  Rose's  eye,  and  the  rapture  which  shone 
in  her  beaming  features ;  while  Alick  forgot  his  wonted  interest 
in  the  shipping  of  the  harbor,  to  follow  her  earnest  gaze  as  it 
peered  now  into  the  azure  depths  of  sky,  then  watched  the 
motion  of  the  rolling  waves,  and  finally  rested  with  serene 
repose  on  the  luxurious  verdure  of  the  shore.  Even  Murray 
now  and  then  threw  himself  on  the  carriage  floor  at  her  feet, 
looked  up,  and  reading  her  pleasure  in  her  face,  exclaimed, 
"  Rosy  likes  it,  do  n't  you  Rosy  ?  "  to  which  Rose  responded 
with  a  smile  so  expressive  that  the  little  questioner  compre- 
hended its  meaning  and  was  satisfied. 

Nor  were  these  the  only  friends  destined  to  sympathize  in 
her  enjoyment  this  day.  Scarcely  had  they  gained  the  streets 
of  New  York's  sister  city,  when  a  familiar  rumble  greeted 
Rose's  ear,  and  coming  towards  them  from  the  opposite  direc- 
tion, she  saw  the  well-known  cart  horses  which  she  had  that 
morning  hailed  as  they  came  through  the  arch-way.  Never 
had  the  brazen  knobs  of  the  harness  glittered  as  now  in  the 
afternoon  sunlight,  never  had  the  cart  seemed  of  so  deep  a 
blue,  never  had  the  young  teamster's  face  worn  so  astonished 
an  expression,  so  joyous  and  cheering  a  glow,  as  that  with 
which  he  now  saw  and  recognized  his  little  invalid  neighbor. 
With  one  glance  of  his  quick  eye,  he  took  in  the  whole  estab- 
lishment, the  spirited  horses,  their  showy  accoutrements,  the 
20 


230  MABEL    VAL'GHAN. 

beautiful  carriage,  its  pleasure-bound  occupants,  and  Rose 
preeminent  in  their  midst.  It  was  too  much  for  his  equanimity. 
As  he  passed,  he  laughed,  cracked  his  long  whip,  took  off  his 
hat,  swung  it  round  his  head  three  times,  and  then  gracefully 
kissed  his  hand  to  her  in  tokon  of  congratulation. 

This  gay  and  exultant  salutation  exerted  a  corresponding 
effect  upon  the  spirits  of  the  little  party.  The  boys  became 
quite  excited  in  view  of  it ;  and  Hose,  to  whose  satisfaction  this 
little  incident  had  imparted  additional  zest,  leaned  out  of  the 
carriage  and  waved  her  hand  in  triumphal  glee. 

"  He  knows  you  !  he  is  looking  back  after  you !  he  is  glad 
you  are  taking  a  ride  ! "  cried  the  voices  of  Alick  and  Murray, 
while  Mabel  herself  could  not  resist  turning  round  for  another 
glimpse  of  the  honest  face,  which  evinced  such  an  evident  par- 
ticipation in  Rose's  joy. 

Truly  this  was  a  great  day  for  Rose,  —  the  one  gala  day  of 
her  life.  Not  only  nature,  but  the  heart  of  man,  seemed  to 
rejoice  and  sympathize  in  the  occasion.  Even  Donald,  that 
proud,  handsome  Donald,  who  presided  on  the  box,  manifested 
a  certain  tenderness  for  her  infirmities,  drove  gently  over  the 
pavement,  and  avoided  every  rough  spot  in  the  road,  as  if  to 
spare  her  any  unnecessary  jolting  or  fatigue. 

And  now  they  gradually  left  the  city  behind  them,  and 
struck  out  into  the  open  country.  Green  fields  and  smiling 
gardens  met  them  at  every  turn ;  sweeping  elms  overarched  the 
roads  and  refreshed  them  with  their  shade ;  birds  flitted  among 
the  branches,  and  flowering  shrubs  rejoiced  the  senses  with 
their  perfume.  Here  and  there,  at  intervals,  might  be  seen 
the  neat  Dutch  farm-houses,  each  of  which  seemed  in  turn, 
to  Rose,  the  counterpart  of  her  mother's  early  home,  while, 
occasionally,  as  they  gained  some  slight  elevation,  there  burst 
upon  them  in  one  comprehensive  view  the  wide  range  of  roll- 
ing meadows,  green  orchards,  and  sunny  slopes,  which  mark 
the  scenery  of  Long  Island ;  while  in  the  distance,  the  eye 
might  discern,  at  intervals,  the  blue  waters  of  the  sea. 

At  sight  of  the  rural  homesteads,  the  cattle  peacefully  graz- 
ing, or  reposing  in  the  shade,  and  innumerable  other  objects 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  231 

with  which  frequent  descriptions  had  rendered  Rose  partially 
familiar,  her  enthusiastic  and  artless  delight  would  find  vent  in 
words;  and  Mabel's  heart  was  deeply  touched  as  the  child  re- 
counted, in  simple  phrase,  the  oft-repeated  tale  of  her  mother's 
happy  life  at  the  old  farm,  the  revisiting  of  which  blessed  spot 
had  ever  constituted  the  day-dream  of  her  city-bred  children. 

"  You  must  go  there,  Rose !  "  exclaimed  Mabel,  eagerly,  as 
she  observed  the  child's  intense  and  ill-concealed  longing;  "you 
must  go  there  with  your  mother  one  of  these  days,  and  see  the 
good  old  place." 

Rose  only  replied,  however,  by  shaking  her  head  with  an  air 
of  sad  and  pensive  resignation  and  Mabel  forbore  to  urge  the 
point,  for  they  had  now  gained  the  height  of  a  hill  up  which 
the  horses  had  long  been  toiling,  and  were  greeted  by  one  of 
those  lovely  and  extensive  views,  the  sight  of  which  effectually 
sealed  Rose's  lips,  while  a  hush  of  holy  awe  crept  over  the 
little  face,  the  working  of  which,  nevertheless,  revealed  unut- 
terable things.  Who  shall  tell  how  much  she  discerned  which 
is  shut  from  the  eye  of  sense,  how  much  she  heard  which 
is  whispered  only  to  the  ear  of  the  spirit  ? 

The  happiness  of  Alick  and  Murray  was  only  secondary  on 
this  occasion  to  that  of  Rose.  Like  her,  they  were  privileged 
beyond  their  wont,  and  evinced  their  satisfaction,  the  one  in 
the  eagerness  of  his  observations  and  questions,  and  the  other 
in  the  laughter,  shouts,  and  unchecked  glee  of  childhood. 
Now  and  then,  at  some  shady  point  in  the  road,  or  some  pleas- 
ant opening  in  the  prospect,  the  horses  were  drawn  up  for  a 
few  moments,  and  the  boys  were  suffered  to  alight,  to  challenge 
each  other  to  a  run,  or  to  pluck  the  wild  flowers  by  the  road- 
side, with  which  they  playfully  showered  their  indulgent  aunt 
and  her  happy  little  companion. 

Occasionally  Mabel's  thoughts  would  wander  to  the  gay 
scene  at  Riverside ;  a  slight  pang  of  envy  would  pierce  her 
heart  as  she  mused  upon  the  happy  throng  assembled  there, 
and  she  would  anxiously  ask  herself,  "  Am  I  missed  amid  the 
crowd?"  But  a  look  at  Rose's  enraptured  face,  or  the  shouts 
of  the  joyous  boys,  were  sufficient  to  chase  away  every  obtrud- 


232  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

ing  regret,  and  satisfy  her  with  the  reflection,  "  They  surely 
could  not  spare  me  here." 

But  time  is  a  tyrant,  and  though  Mabel  had  left  her  watch 
at  home,  the  slowly  descending  sun  began  to  give  notice  of  the 
day's  decline.  In  spite  of  innumerable  pauses  and  delays, 
they  had  more  than  half  completed  the  circuit  appointed  for 
their  afternoon's  excursion,  and  were  already  homeward  bound. 
Alick  and  Murray  were  somewhat  weary  with  unusual  exer- 
cise, and  a  quiet,  placid  sense  of  enjoyment  had  crept  over 
the  little  party  to  the  exclusion  of  conversation  and  merriment. 
The  road,  following  the  undulations  of  the  bay,  now  and  then 
swept  close  to  the  shore,  on  whose  pebbly  margin  the  light 
waves  broke  with  a  soft  and  pleasant  murmur,  and  all  nature 
wore  that  air  of  repose  which  marks  the  close  of  a  summer's 
day.  Reclining  on  her  cushions,  with  her  head  gently  resting 
on  Mabel's  shoulder,  Rose  lay  watching  the  light,  airy  clouds, 
which,  gradually  forming  into  masses  of  greater  volume  and 
richer  coloring,  hung  suspended  above  the  western  horizon. 
So  soft  and  soothing  was  the  scene,  so  still  and  motionless  the 
figure  of  the  child,  who  was  revolving  in  new  wonder  the  mir- 
acle of  creation,  that  Mabel  believed  and  hoped  she  had  fallen 
asleep,  and  forbore  to  disturb  her  by  a  word.  As  a  sudden 
turn  in  the  road,  however,  brought  them  in  full  view  of  the 
city,  Rose  raised  her  head,  and,  like  one  abruptly  awakened 
from  a  pleasant  dream,  gazed  long  and  fixedly  at  the  huge  as- 
semblage of  buildings,  amid  which  her  young  life  had  hitherto 
been  imprisoned. 

Mabel  divined  her  thoughts.  "  New  York  is  but  a  poor 
place  compared  with  the  country,  is  it,  Rosy  ?  "  asked  she. 

Rose  smiled  and  shook  her  head. 

"  I  have  thought  of  a  fine  plan  for  you,"  continued  Mabel, 
"and  one  that  I  am  sure  you  will  like.  You  and  your  mother, 
Rose,  must  go  up  to  the  old  farm  and  stay  until  you  get  strong 
and  well.  There  you  can  see  plenty  of  woods,  and  fields,  and 
wild  flowers,  and  watch  the  sun  set  every  night.  It  is  not  a 
long  journey,"  added  she,  with  animation,  her  interest  in  the 
scheme  increasing  as  she  observed  the  ray'-of  pleasure  and 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  233 

hope  which  had  overspread  Rose's  face  at  the  suggestion,  "  it 
will  only  take  one  day.  I  will  see  that  it  is  no  expense  to  you, 
and  Jack  will  stay  at  liome  and  take  care  of  the  house  and 
shop.  We  will  talk  it  over  with  your  mother  this  very  even- 
ing." 

The  glow  of  delight  which  had  been  called  up  in  Rose's 
countenance,  as  Mabel  first  named  this  welcome  proposal,  gave 
place  to  an  expression  of  pain  and  anxiety  as  she  pronounced 
the  concluding  phrases  of  the  plan.  Tears  started  into  her 
eyes,  and  she  made  haste  to  lay  her  hand  on  Mabel's  arm,  and 
check  the  glowing  anticipations  she  was  indulging  of  her  little 
friend's  happiness  and  possible  restoration  to  health,  in  the 
broken  words,  "  Dear  Miss  Mabel !  you  are  very  good,  but 
do  n't  mention  it  to  mother,  —  please  do  n't ;  I  can  't  go,  —  in- 
deed I  can't!" 

"  But  why  not,  Rose  ?  you  feel  strong  enough  for  the  jour- 
ney ?  you  will  go  if  your  mother  consents  ?  " 

"Yes,  —  no,  —  please  don't  ask  her,  —  indeed  I  had  far 
rather  stay  in  New  York." 

Mabel  looked  puzzled  and  disappointed ;  she  could  not 
understand  the  child's  eagerness  to  deny  herself  so  great  a 
pleasure. 

"  Miss  Mabel,"  added  Rose,  after  a  little  hesitation,  seeing 
that  Mabel  still  awaited  an  explanation,  "  you  would  n't  think 
anybody  needed  me  here,  a  poor  sick  girl  that  has  been  a  care 
and  a  trouble  all  my  life,  but  I  could  not  be  happy  to  go  away 
and  leave  my  dear  Jack.  Miss  Mabel,  he  is  a  rough  boy,  per- 
haps, but  he  is  never  rough  to  me.  Lyddy  says  he  has  learned 
wicked  words,  but  he  uses  good  words  to  me  ;  they  tell  me  he 
loves  bad  company,  but  I  know  that  he  loves  his  little  Rose. 
He  has  sat  up  all  night  to  bathe  my  aching  head,  —  he  has 
carried  me  in  his  arms  all  day.  He  would  miss  me  from  my 
little  room  ;  the  bad  boys  would  whistle  round  the  corner,  and 
there  would  be  no  little  voice  to  say,  '  Oh,  Jack !  stay  with 
Rosy ! ' " 

Innocent,  artless  Rose !  Little  did  she  think  that  every  word 
of  her  simple  apology  pierced  like  an  arrow  to  the  heart  of 

20* 


234  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

Mabel ;  little  did  she  comprehend  the  sudden  sting  of  conscience 
which  caused  the  quick  blush  to  flood  the  face,  the  teyes  to 
droop,  and  the  hand  to  be  nervously  withdrawn  from  her  fond 
and  affectionate  clasp.  She  thought  she  had  offended  her 
friend,  and  continued  in  urgent  tones,  "indeed — indeed,  I  am 
very  thankful,  and  you  are  too  good  ;  I  do  not  deserve  it ;  but 
you  are  not  vexed  with  me  ?  "  And  laying  her  hand  on  Ma- 
bel's arm,  and  fixing  her  large  eyes  full  and  searchingly  upon 
her,  she  added,  in  a  touching,  pleading  tone,  "  O,  dear  Miss 
Mabel,  have  you  a  brother,  and  do  you  love  him  as  I  love 
Jack?" 

The  look,  the  question  seemed  empowered  with  authority  to 
probe  Mabel's  very  heart.  Shrinking  from  their  scrutiny,  she 
sought  to  evade  the  one  and  respond  to  the  other  by  hiding  her 
face  in  the  folds  of  Rosy's  -shawl,  as  she  drew  her  to  her  in  a 
close  embrace ;  and  Rose  believed  herself  understood  and  was 
satisfied. 

And  now  they  have  bid  farewell  to  the  blue  waters  of  the 
bay,  the  verdant  islands,  the  sky  still  glowing  with  the  lingering 
rays  of  crimson  light,  and  once  more  are  dashing  through  the 
city  thoroughfares,  crowded  with  vehicles  and  ringing  with  be- 
wildering sounds.  Many  an  eye  follows  them  with  loving  and 
grateful  interest,  as  they  sweep  down  the  narrow  street,  where, 
at  her  humble  door,  the  widow  Hope  watches  for  the  return  of 
her  child.  All  the  neighborhood  has  missed  her,  has  learned 
her  whereabouts,  and  is  sympathizing  in  her  joy.  The  mother 
greets  her  with  an  eager  smile;  the  old  woman  over  the  way 
hobbles  to  the  door,  doubting  her  very  eyes,  and  adjusting  her 
spectacles  to  be  sure  that  she  sees  aright.  The  little  deaf  and 
dumb  boy  stands  braced  against  the  side  of  the  house,  transfixed 
in  mute  astonishment ;  and,  as  the  restive  horses,  panting  for 
their  stable,  require  the  restraining  hand  of  Donald,  the  brisk, 
young  teamster  makes  his  appearance  from  beneath  the  arch- 
way, hastens  to  the  carriage,  lifts  Rose  gently  in  his  arms,  bears 
her  into  the  house,  and  places  her  in  her  arm-chair.  She  looks 
up,  smiles  at  Mabel  and  the  boys,  receives  answering  smiles  in 
return,  and  the  carriage  whirls  rapidly  away. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  235 

Many  a  noble  steed  has  that  day  returned  to  the  city  heated, 
dusty,  and  jaded.  But  how  many  of  their  gay  and  fashionable 
owners  have  been  engaged  in  a  like  labor  of  love  ?  Certain  it 
is,  that  in  after  years,  and  amid  other  scenes,  memory  could 
recall  no  festive  occasion  in  the  annals  of  the  New  York  belle 
so  blessed  in  its  simple  pleasures,  so  hallowed  in  its  lasting 
results,  as  that  which  constituted  to  little  Rose  Hope  the  one 
bright  spot  on  this  side  Heaven. 


CHAPTER    XXI. 

She  hath  put  on 

Courage,  and  faith,  and  generous  constancy, 
Ev'n  as  a  breastplate. 

MRS.  HE  MANS. 


,  I  believe  I  have  told  you  all  that  is  of  any  conse- 
quence, all  that  is  worth  telling.  It  was  a  fine  affair  !  I  would 
not  but  have  been  there  for  the  world."  Thus  exclaimed  the 
unabashed  Louise,  who,  adopting  her  usual  tactics,  and  ignoring 
any  unsisterly  conduct  on  her  own  part,  had,  with  many  affect- 
ed airs  and  a  more  than  ordinary  toss  of  the  head,  detailed  for 
Mabel's  benefit  such  particulars  of  the  wedding  reception  as 
seemed  to  her  most  noteworthy.  As  these  consisted  chiefly  of 
the  compliments  paid  to  herself  on  the  occasion,  the  attention  she 
had  received  from  various  quarters,  the  admiration  and  envy 
her  new  mantilla  had  excited,  and  the  striking  contrast  between 
the  awkward  arrangement  of  Fan  Brodhead's  veil  and  the  taste 
displayed  on  the  event  of  her  own  bridal,  it  may  well  be  sup- 
posed that  Mabel's  interest  in  the  subject  was  soon  exhausted, 
especially  as  Louise  declared  that  she  had  a  thousand  messages 
of  regret  from  her  sister's  numerous  friends,  but  could  not 
remember  a  word  of  them,  or  say  exactly  who  inquired  for  her, 
and  who  did  not.  "  But,  mercy  !  I  did  not  come  here  to  talk 
about  the  wedding,"  exclaimed  Louise.  "  Tired  as  I  am,  and 
with  so  much  to  think  about,  only  conceive  of  my  being  plagued 
to  death  as  usual  by  that  provoking  Lydia  !  To  think  of  her 
declaring  now,  at  this  last  minute,  that  she  had  never  had  any 
idea  of  staying  in  my  service  after  last  month  was  out,  and  that 
she  supposed  I  had  got  some  one  else  to  go  with  me  on  the 
journey  !  " 

"  Had  n't  she  given  you  any  notice  ?  "  asked  Mabel,'  in  sur- 
prise. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.         .  237 

"  Oh,  yes  ;  she  says  she  has  told  me  several  times  that  she 
could  not  go  so  far  away,  and  I  dare  say  she  has,  but  I  never 
believed  her ;  servants  are  always  threatening  in  that  sort  of 
way,  just  to  show  their  consequence.  She  says  her  sister  is 
failing  very  fast ;  her  mother  needs  her,  and  so  on." 

"  It  is  very  true,"  replied  Mabel,  gravely.  "  Rose  can  not 
live  long ;  I  do  not  wonder  Lydia  does  not  like  to  leave  her." 

"Rose!"  exclaimed  Louise,  sneeringly.  "You  speak  her 
name  with  as  much  familiarity  as  if  she  were  an  intimate  ac- 
quaintance !  I  heard  about  your  taking  her  out  to  drive  yes- 
terday ;  my  children  are  full  of  it.  I  can't  conceive  of  your 
doing  anything  so  ridiculous." 

Mabel  made  no  reply ;  she  had  learned  by  experience  that 
it  was  vain  to  argue  with  Louise. 

"  That  child,"  added  the  latter,  in  a  provoked  tone,  as  if  Rose 
had  intentionally  done  her  a  serious  injury,-  "  has  been  dying 
ever  since  Lydia  lived  with  me ;  if  she  is  really  going  to  die 
now,  Lydia  can't  keep  her  alive ;  and  what  difference  does  it 
make  whether  she's  here,  or  in  some  other  part  of  the  country?" 

Mabel  looked  deeply  shocked  at  her  sister's  heartlessness, 
and  answered,  "  A  very  great  difference  I  should  think,  Louise." 

The  temper  of  Mrs.  Leroy,  however,  becoming  more  excited, 
as  she  saw  how  little  her  sister  sympathized  in  her  view  of  the 
matter,  now  burst  forth  with  redoubled  vehemence ;  she  did 
not  believe  in  the  child's  illness ;  it  was  all  counterfeited ; 
Lydia  was  the  most  ungrateful  of  mortals,  and  Mabel  was  silly 
enough  to  be  the  dupe  of  this  miserable  family's  impositions. 
She  could  not  conceive  of  her  being  so  indifferent  to  the  welfare 
of  the  boys,  of  whom  she  professed  to  be  so  fond ;  poor  children, 
they  were  accustomed  to  Lydia ;  how  would  they  like  being 
away  from  home,  and  travelling  too,  under  the  care  of  a  perfect 
stranger  ? 

This  appeal  was  irresistible  to  Mabel,  and,  with  prompt 
generosity,  she  exclaimed,  without  a  moment's  hesitation,  "  take 
Cecilia,  Louise.  I  can  spare  her.  I  can  do  without  any  maid; 
she  is  a  good  girl,  and  is  used  to  the  boys." 

Mrs.  Leroy  walked  to  the  window,  to  hide  her  satisfaction  at 


238  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

this  proposition.  It  was  the  point  at  which  all  her  diplomacy 
had  been  directed,  for,  however  Cecilia  might  supply  Lydia's 
place  to  the  children,  her  skill  as  lady's  maid  and  hair-dresser 
was  such  that  her  services  had  loftg  been  coveted  by  the  mother. 

Unwilling,  however,  to  acknowledge  her  obligation  to  her 
sister,  she  continued  to  make  an  excessive  show  of  annoyance ; 
declared  Cecilia  to  be  wanting  in  every  quality  requisite  in  one 
who  was  to  fill  Lydia's  place,  and  finally  ended  by  Baying,  in  a 
condescending  tone,  that  if  the  latter  persisted  in  leaving,  and 
she  could  not  do  better,  which  it  was  not  very  probable  she 
could  at  this  late  hour,  she  would  try  and  be  satisfied  with 
Cecilia,  and  should  be  glad  at  all  events  to  have  her  come  to 
the  hotel  for  a  while,  and  assist  in  packing  her  trunks. 

The  consequence  was,  that  in  less  than  an  hour  after  Mrs. 
Leroy  reached  home,  a  messenger  was  dispatched  for  Cecilia, 
requesting  that  she  should  come  to  the  hotel  without  delay,  and 
Mabel,  thus  unceremoniously  deprived  of  her  skilful  attendant, 
was  left  to  complete  those  personal  preparations  for  travelling 
which  had  unexpectedly  devolved  upon  her. 

It  was  night,  and  she  was  alone  in  her  qui.'.t  room.  Her 
mind  was  troubled  ;  and  inwardly  congratulating  herself  on  the 
absence  c£-bw  maid,  whose  presence  would  havi*.  been  a  re- 
straint, she  was,  with  alternate  listlessness  and  feverish  energy, 
engaged  in  packing  for  the  morrow's  journey.  Various  articles 
of  her  wardrobe  were  spread  out  upon  the  bed.  She  folded  a 
rich  dress  with  care,  as  if  to  place  it  in  the  trunk,  then,  forget- 
ful of  her  purpose,  laid  it  away  on  the  closet  shelf.  Now  she 
hastily  opened  and  shut  her  drawers  and  caskets,  then  withdrew 
to  the  window,  and  leaning  her  head  on  her  hand  looked  out 
into  the  moonlight.  The  tempter,  though  absent  from  her  side, 
was  present  to  her  thoughts ;  but  ever  as  her  heart  dwelt  fondly 
on  his  last  persuasive  words,  there  came  between  her  and  his 
treacherous  image,  the  form  of  her  better  angel,  the  sick  and 
saintly  Rose,  whose  mild,  searching  eyes  seemed  to  follow 
her  with  a  reproachful  glance,  whose  little  hand  seemed  lifted 
in  timid  yet  fervent  appeal,  and  whose  low,  childlike  voice  was 
continually  whispering  in  her  ear  the  simple  words,  "Miss 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  239 

Mabel,  luivc  you  a  brother,  and  do  you  love  him  as  I  love 
Jack  ?  " 

Her  heart  told  her  that  she  had  not  loved  him  thus,  and  she 
felt  humbled  at  the  contrast  between  her  own  shrinking,  doubt- 
ful spirit,  and  the  child's  unhesitating  generosity.  She  pressed 
her  throbbing  head  against  the  cool  glass,  and  while  she  medi- 
tated on  the  pleasures  of  the  morrow,  strove  to  shut  out  every 
thought  that  preyed  upon  her  peace.  But  conscience  was 
aroused  and  would  not  be  thus  easily  silenced,  and  the  neces- 
sary preparation  for  the  journey  was  forgotten,  while  her  heart 
struggled  with  contending  emotions. 

Just  then  quick  steps  were  heard  in  the  street  below,  and,  as 
they  drew  nearer,  voices  also  were  distinguishable.  Mabel 
held  her  breath  to  listen,  for  she  recognized  the  familiar  tones 
of  Harry,  who  paused  at  the  street  door,  and  seemed  to  be  bid- 
ding adieu  to  one  of  his  companions. 

"  Family  all  going  out  of  town  !  House  going  to  be  shut  up. 
Ah !  "  exclaimed  the  voice  of  a  strange  individual,  in  reply  to 
a  remark  from  Harry,  the  words  of  which  had  escaped  her  ear. 
"  And  you,  Vaughan,  what  is  to  become  of  you  ?  Where  are 
you  bound  for  the  summer  ?  Come,  I'll  play  your  cicerone," 
continued  the  person,  in  a  course  and  yet  insinuating  tone,  "I'll 
back  you  up  for  any  place  you  '11  name." 

"  You  may  well  say  that,"  replied  Harry,  in  a  tone  of  bitter 
irony ;  "  I  'm  going  to  the  devil,  as  you  very  well  know,  but 
I  '11  warrant  you  '11  keep  me  company ; "  and  the  unhappy 
youth  accompanied  this  desperate  acknowledgment  with  a  hol- 
low and  joyless  laugh,  which  was  loudly  and  boisterously  echoed 
by  his  companion,  who,  as  Harry  abruptly  entered  the  house, 
proceeded  down  the  street. 

Bitter  as  were  Harry's  words  of  despairing  self-abandon- 
ment, his  mocking  laugh  was  more  bitter  still.  It  thrilled 
through  every  fibre  of  Mabel's  frame.  Jt  seemed  to  ring  out 
the  knell  of  hope,  and  fix  a  seal  to  his  impending  doom.  And 
yet  it  was  so  indescribably  sad,  so  heart-rending  in  its  mourn- 
ful significance,  —  it  told  such  a  story  of  vain  struggles,  use- 


240  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

less  regrets,  and  final  desperation.  It  was  like  the  cry  of  a 
fallen  spirit,  which  sneeringly  derides  itself. 

All  the  tender  compassion  of  Mabel's  nature  was  aroused  — 
"  My  poor  brother !  my  poor  Harry  ! "  was  her  mental  excla- 
mation, —  "  is  there  no  good  angel  to  save  him  yet? " 

She  listened  to  his  heavy  and  measured  steps,  as,  after  part- 
ing with  his  evil  associate,  he  came  slowly  up  the  staircase ; 
he  paused  a  moment  at  her  door ;  she  thought  he  meant  to 
enter,  and  bid  her  farewell,  for  he  knew  she  was  to  depart 
early  on  the  morrow ;  but  no,  —  he  passed  on  and  ascended 
the  next  flight  to  his  own  chamber,  which  he  entered,  and 
closed  the  door. 

"  I  cannot  leave  him  thus,"  thought  Mabel,  as  she  pictured 
him  to  herself,  alone,  ruined,  uncared  for ;  and  yielding  to  a 
sudden  and  tender  impulse,  she  resolved  to  seek  him,  speak  an 
affectionate  word,  and  assure  him  of  her  love. 

She  feared  to  knock  at  his  door,  lest  she  should  be  repulsed, 
or  dismissed  with  a  hasty  good-bye ;  so,  gently  opening  it,  she 
presented  herself  unexpectedly  before  him.  He  was  pacing 
restlessly  up  and  down  the  room,  —  seemed  almost  angry  at 
being  intruded  upon,  as  if  he  suspected  that  she  had  come  to 
pry  into  his  secret  thoughts,  and  turning  upon  her  with  an 
abrupt,  imperative  air,  appeared  to  demand  the  object  of  her 
errand. 

"Harry,"  said  she,  her  lip  trembling  with  the  effort  to 
speak  in  a  natural  tone  of  voice,  "  I  could  not  bear  to  go  away 
without  bidding  you  good-bye ; "  she  passed  her  arm,  coax- 
ingly,  through  his  as  she  spoke,  and  accompanied  him  for  a 
few  steps  in  his  walk  up  and  down  the  room. 

With  his  face  now  obstinately  turned  from  her,  he  answered 
only  in  the  brief  words,  "  Are  you  going  early  in  the  morn- 
ing?" 

"  Yes,  and  I  was  afraid  you  would  not  be  up  in  season  to 
see  me  off;  but  you  will  write  to  me,  won't  you,  Harry  ?  " 

"  I  sha'  n't  know  where  you  are,"  he  replied  curtly. 

"  I  will  write,  and  tell  you  where  to  direct." 

Still  he  did  not  promise. 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  241 

"  I  shall  have  no  one  else  to  write  to  me ;  father  will  be 
away,  and  I  have  always  depended  on  you,  Harry,"  added 
she,  in  a  tone  calculated  to  impress  him  with  the  value  she 
should  place  upon  his  letters. 

"  Poh ! "  exclaimed  he,  with  a  slight  nervous  jerk,  which 
was  sufficient  to  induce  her  to  let  go  his  arm  "I  shall  have 
nothing  worth  telling,  —  you'll  have  plenty  of  better  enter- 
tainment." 

"  Where  shall  you  be  ?  "  she  asked  timidly. 

"  I  ?  I  do  n't  know,  I  'm  sure.  I  have  not  made  up  my 
mind." 

She  found  it  hard  to  press  the  subject  further,  he  was  so 
short  in  his  answers.  She  walked  to  the  window  and  looked 
out,  then  strayed  to  the  bureau  and  occupied  herself  in  examin- 
ing the  trinkets  which  lay  upon  it,  hoping  Harry  would  broach 
some  topic  of  mutual  interest,  but  he  remained  perseveringly 
silent.  She  would  gladly  have  drawn  near,  thrown  her  arms 
round  his  neck,  and  entreated  his  confidence,  his^  renewed 
affection  at  parting,  but  he  gave  her  no  encouragement.  "  It 
is  late,  I  suppose,"  said  she  at  length,  seeing  that  he  appeared 
surprised,  if  not  impatient,  at  her  lingering.  "  So  good-bye, 
Harry,"  and  approaching  him,  she  laid  her  hand  on  his  shoul- 
der. 

He  started  as  if  her  touch  pained  him.  She  looked  in  his 
face  earnestly,  imploringly ;  his  features  twitched,  and  there 
was  a  nervous  embarrassment  in  his  manner  as,  studiously 
avoiding  her  eye,  he  stooped  down,  returned  her  parting  kiss, 
and  responded  to  her  good-bye. 

With  hurried  and  tremulous  step  Mabel  hastened  back  to 
her  room,  threw  herself  on  a  low  seat  opposite  the  empty 
trunk,  and  burst  into  tears.  She  had  sought  her  brother  with 
a  view  to  appeasing  her  .overcharged  feelings,  and  defraying  a 
debt  to  her  conscience,  but  neither  purpose  had  been  effected 
by  the  brief  and  unsatisfactory  interview. 

She  had  found  him  in  a  desperate  mood,  —  she  had  read  in 
his  face  the  mental  torture  under  which  he  writhed,  —  she 
had  failed  to  break  down  the  barrier  between  her  own  heart 
21 


242  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

and  his,  and  with  little  more  than  a  mechanical  farewell  she 
had  turned  her  back  upon  his  misery. 

Should  she  leave  him  thus,  abandoned  by  his  sister  as  well 
as  by  his  better  self? 

The  deep  and  almost  hysterical  sobs  which  escaped  her, 
proved  that  the  struggle  of  contending  feelings  had  now 
reached  its  height,  and  for  some  minutes  she  wept  as  children 
weep,  without  any  effort  at  self-control.  As  this  storm  of 
grief  subsided,  and  she  sat  for  a  while  maintaining  an  inward 
war,  but  apparently  gazing  into  vacancy,  she  stretched  forth 
her  hand  with  an  absent  ah*  and  raised  the  inner  lid  of  her 
trunk.  As  she  did  so  she  caught  sight  of  a  little  package 
lying  in  a  corner,  directed  to  herself,  in  the  familiar  handwrit- 
ing of  Mrs.  Herbert.  It  had  been  placed  there  when  she  left 
school,  and,  by  Cecilia's  carelessness,  had  remained  undis- 
covered until  now.  Almost  believing  it  to  be  a  message  of 
counsel  and  advice  from  that  friend  who  had  always  come  to 
her  aid  in  moments  when  she  was  at  a  loss  for  guidance,  she 
hastily  tore  off  the  wrapper,  and  found  it  to  contain  a  little 
pocket  bible.  Touched  by  this  proof  of  affection,  and  by  the 
nature  of  the  gift,  she  opened  the  book,  with  reverence,  at  the 
first  epistle  of  St.  John,  where  a  slip  of  paper  was  inserted, 
and  her  eye  at  once  fell  on  the  words,  carefully  marked,  as  if 
to  attract  her  attention :  "  My  little  children,  let  us  not  love 
in  word,  neither  in  tongue,  but  in  deed  and  in  truth." 

Awed  by  the  solemn  charge,  which  she  realized  to  be  armed 
with  divine  authority,  Mabel  bowed  her  head  upon  the  lid  of 
her  trunk,  and,  with  the  volume  clasped  in  her  hands,  sunk 
upon  her  knees. 

Now  rose  before  her  that  long  forgotten  scene  in  her  child- 
hood, when  first  Mrs.  Herbert  had  striven  to  impress  upon 
her  this  great  lesson.  How  vividly  still  did  memory  recall 
that  last  evening  of  her  school  life,  when  her  faithful  teacher 
had  bid  her  beware  of  that  insidious  foe,  whose  existence  in 
her  heart  she  had  so  proudly  denied,  —  that  demon  of  self- 
love,  which  undermines  the  holiest  affections  and  enslaves  the 
corrupted  soul. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  243 

She  could  no  longer  deceive  herself ;  with  all  her  enlarged 
opportunities,  with  all  her  self-confidence  and  pride,  with  all 
her  boasted  love  for  Harry,  she  felt  that  she  had  been  weighed 
in  the  balance  and  found  wanting,  —  that  she  had  been  out- 
done in  generosity  by  a  feeble,  invalid  child,  —  that  she  had 
not  loved  like  Rosy. 

Contrite,  humbled,  eager  to  be  enlightened  in  the  path  of 
duty,  she  lifted  her  bowed  head  and  again  opened  the  inspired 
book ;  but  this  time  her  eyes  fell  on  the  words,  "  For  if  our 
hearts  condemn  us,  God  is  greater  than  our  heart,  and  knoweth 
all  things." 

As  if  suddenly,  and  for  the  first  time  in  her  life,  made  con- 
scious of  the  invisible  presence  of  Him  to  whom  all  hearts 
are  open,  all  desires  known,  she  now  ceased  to  wrestle  with 
herself,  and  looking  up  for  the  help  she  so  earnestly  craved, 
she  poured  out  her  soul  in  prayer.  The  form,  the  attitude, 
the  words  of  devotion,  if  not  habitual,  were  at  least  not  new 
to  one  who  had  been  a  member  of  a  religious  household,  and 
shared  the  benefits  of  religious  instruction.  But  never  before 
had  she  come,  in  all  the  submission  of  a  child,  to  lay  before 
God's  throne  the  sincere  offering  of  a  humble,  contrite  heart ; 
never  before  had  she  approached  in  that  spirit  of  self-conse- 
cration which  cries  out,  "  Thy  will,  not  mine,  be  done." 

And  with  prayer  came  strength.  She  rose  from  her  knees 
armed  with  a  Christian  resolution,  and  fortified  with  a 
Christian  hope ;  the  resolution  to  meet  evil  face  to  face ; 
the  hope  to  triumph  at  length  over  sin.  It  was  not  her  own 
sin  only  that  she  was  thus  to  combat;  for  in  that  hour  of 
high  communing  she  had  dedicated  herself  to  a  sacred  cause, 
and  charged  herself  with  a  solemn  trust.  Not  in  word  and 
tongue  only,  but  in  deed  and  in  truth,  would  she  prove  a 
sister's  devotion,  and  labor  for  a  brother's  welfare.  With  her 
watchword,  duty,  and  her  banner,  love,  she  would  place  herself 
boldly  at  Harry's  side,  and,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  prove 
herself  the  good  angel  who  would  save  him  yet. 

It  was  with  no  blind  zeal,  no  inconsiderate  impulse,  that 
she  had  thus  set  herself  to  the  fulfilment  of  her  heaven-. 


244  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

appointed  mission.  She  had  thoroughly  measured  and  fully 
understood  the  sacrifice  it  would  involve.  She  knew  that,  in 
consecrating  herself  to  duty  and  to  God,  she  must  dethrone 
her  young  heart's  earthly  idol ;  that  the  selfish  love  must  yield 
to  the  purely  disinterested,  the  human  to  the  divine.  Had  it 
been  otherwise,  she  would  not  so  long  have  been  deaf  to  the 
call  which  summoned  her  to  her  Master's  service. 

Beguiled  by  a  persuasive  intellect,  enthralled  by  the  power 
of  genius,  and  a  willing  captive  in  the  chains  which  flattery  so 
well  knows  how  to  forge,  she  had  wandered  awhile  through 
the  flowery  fields  of  pleasure,  had  reached  the  pinnacle  of  her 
ambition,  had  sunned  herself  in  dreams  of  future  bliss ;  but 
there  came  a  time  when  the  simple  words  of  an  infant  tongue 
had  aroused  the  voice  of  a  sleeping  conscience,  and,  led  by  the 
hand  of  a  little  child,  she  had  at  length  been  brought  back  to 
the  feet  of  that  faithful  monitor  of  her  youth,  by  the  memory 
of  whose  warning  counsels  and  by  the  aid  of  whose  blessed 
gift  she  would  henceforth  pursue  in  patience  the  path  which 
leadeth  unto  life;  ambitious  only  to  accomplish  the  work  which 
was  given  her  to  do,  and  cheered  by  the  hopes  which  are  full 
of  immortality. 

In  this  hour  of  exaltation,  this  season  of  the  spirit's  victory, 
the  task  did  not  seem  hard.  Already  was  the  self-imposed 
duty  lightened  by  that  sweetener  of  life's  heaviest  toils  which 
relieves  the  laborer  of  half  his  burthen ;  for,  in  the  moment 
when,  denying  self,  she  assumed  with  holy  fortitude  the  sacred 
guardianship  of  her  brother,  back  to  her  heart,  in  a  full,  strong 
tide,  came  all  the  depth  and  tenderness  of  that  sisterly  love 
which  had  only  been  subdued  and  crushed  by  the  force  of  a 
rival  passion.  Thus,  not  only  would  she  devote  herself  to 
Harry's  cause  because  duty  pointed  in  that  direction,  but  be- 
cause, in  view  of  every  touching  memory  of  their  childhood, 
every  sweet  record  of  their  maturer  years,  her  heart  forbade 
her  to  desert  him. 

As  she  now  moved  through  the  room  preparing  to  put  her 
purpose  into  execution,  her  countenance  was  marked  by  the 
serene  composure  of  one  animated  by  a  high  resolve  and  in- 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  245 

spired  by  a  holy  mission.  Her  manner  was  no  longer  indica- 
tive of  hesitation  or  uncertainty ;  and  the  hands  which  an  hour 
ago  had  trembled  with  nervous  indecision,  performed  what  they 
had  to  do  quickly  and  well. 

She  wrote  a  hasty  note  to  Louise,  explaining  her  change  of 
plan,  but  giving  no  other  reason  for  abandoning  the  journey 
than  the  simple  truth  —  that,  at  the  last  moment,  she  had  be- 
come convinced  that  her  presence  was  needed  at  home.  She 
begged  her  sister  to  write  to  her  frequently,  sent  her  love  to 
the  boys,  hoped  Cecilia  would  faithfully  supply  Lydia's  place, 
and  that  Louise  would  in  the  enjoyment  of  other  society  have 
little  occasion  to  regret  her  absence  ;  which  latter  hope,  we  will 
remark  in  passing,  she  might  reasonably  indulge,  since  Mrs. 
Leroy  was,  when  in  general  society,  extremely  indifferent  to 
family  ties. 

It  was  nearly  midnight  when  Cecilia  returned  from  the  hotel, 
weary,  and  with  her  own  preparations  for  the  journey  still  in- 
complete. She  was  amazed  at  the  sight  of  Mabel's  trunk, 
which  wf.s  still  empty,  while  every  article  of  her  scattered 
wardrobe  was  restored  to  its  customary  place. 

"  I  am  not  going,  Cecilia,"  said  Mabel  calmly,  in  answer  to 
her  look  of  astonishment.  "  Take  this  note  to  my  sister  in  the 
morning,  when  you  meet  her  at  the  boat.  Robert  will  see  to 
your  baggage;  remember,  and  take  good  care  of  the  boys." 
And  she  dismissed  her  with  a  parting  charge  to  retire  as  soon 
as  possible,  as  she  would  be  obliged  to  rise  early. 

Not  until  she  had  thus  confirmed  by  act  the  heroic  resolution 
of  her  mind,  did  she  realize  the  exhaustion  consequent  upon 
agitation  and  excitement ;  but  now,  with  a  welcome  sense  of 
relief  from  tormenting  doubts,  and  a  humble  reliance  upon  the 
power  to  which  she  had  looked  for  strength,  she  gladly  sought 
the  rest  which  tired  nature  craves,  and  fell  into  a  sweet  and 
dreamless  sleep,  such  as  for  many  a  week  had  deserted  her 
pillow. 

21* 


CHAPTER    XXII. 

In  her  deep,  melancholy  eye, 
Life's  brilliant  hues  no  longer  lie , 
And  love  itself,  its  sweetest  light, 
Has  left  behind  a  starless  night. 
A  night'?     Ah,  no  !     "Pis  early  dawn  — 
The  long,  dark,  hopeless  hours  are  gone ; 
And  Faith,  the  day-spring  from  on  high, 
Is  beaming  through  her  heavenward  eye. 

MRS.  S.  C.  E.  MAYO. 

IF  the  exaltation  of  soul  under  which  a  high  resolve  is 
usually  formed  could  be  maintained  during  the  period  required 
for  its  fulfilment,  the  battle  would  be  fought  and  the  victory 
achieved  almost  without  an  effort.  But  who  has  not  expe- 
rienced the  reaction,  weakness,  and  self-distrust  which  are  the 
natural  consequence  of  an  unwonted  strain  upon  the  physical 
and  mental  powers.  Then,  indeed,  do  we  learn  how  little  we 
can  depend  upon  our  own  feeble  efforts,  unless  sustained  and 
strengthened  by  help  and  guidance  from  on  high. 

So  it  was  with  Mabel,  wrhen  she  awoke  the  morning  after 
her  supposed  self-conquest,  oppressed  with  a  painful  sense  of 
lassitude  and  despondency,  which  made  it  an  effort  to  rise  and 
dress,  and  a  still  greater  effort  to  look  back  upon  the  past  with 
composure,  and  forward  into  the  future  with  cheerfulness.  She 
fully  realized  the  unexpected  truth,  that  not  by  one  spasmodic 
effort  can  the  soul  achieve  the  sublime  heights  of  self-denying 
virtue,  but  only  by  continual  and  persevering  struggles,  and  a 
patient  resting  upon  Him  whose  promise  is  steadfast, —  "  I  will 
never  leave  you  nor  forsake  you." 

Fortunately,  her  little  Bible  was  close  at  hand,  with  its 
blessed  words  of  encouragement  and  peace ;  and  after  resorting 
to  its  pages  for  counsel,  and  commending  herself  to  Heaven  in 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  247 

prayer,  she  felt  in  some  degree  prepared  to  meet  the  events  of 
the  day.  In  the  hall  leading  to  the  dining-room  she  met  Robert, 
who  reported  the  departure  of  the  pleasure-party,  all,  accord- 
ing to  his  account,  in  high  spirits  except  Alick  and  Murray, 
both  of  whom  were  crying  with  disappointment  at  her  absence. 

Mabel  felt  a  rising  in  the  throat,  and  a  painful  sinking  of 
the  spirits,  as  she  thought  of  the  dear  children's  grief  and  the 
still  greater  void  which  would  be  felt  in  the  company  by  one 
who  would  join  them  at  noon,  would  look  for  her  amid  the 
party,  and,  astonished  at  her  absence,  perhaps  misconstruing 
its  cause,  would  vainly  seek  from  Louise  a  satisfactory  solution 
of  the  mystery.  Her  drooping  courage  revived,  however,  at 
the  unmistakable  satisfaction  which  succeeded  her  father's 
first  glance  of  surprise,  as  she  entered  the  dining-room  and 
approached  the  table  where  he  was  seated  at  breakfast.  He 
had  seen  Robert  return  with  the  carriage,  and  supposed  her 
already  on  her  way  to  Albany;  but  listened  with  evident 
pleasure  to  her  assurance  that  she  had  concluded,  since  she 
parted  from  him  the  previous  day,  to  abandon  the  scheme  alto- 
gether. 

Attributing  this  change  in  her  plans  to  some  trilling  disa- 
greement with  Louise,  or  dissatisfaction  with  the  proposed 
arrangements,  he  forbore  questioning  her  as  to  the  cause  of 
her  apparently  fickle  conduct,  but  quite  contented  with  the 
result,  expressed  himself  with  more  than  his  ordinary  decision 
in  the  words,  "  I  am  glad  of  it,  my  dear,  —  very  glad.  I  have 
not  approved,  from  the  first,  of  your  travelling  with  so  large  a 
party.  Now,  I  trust,  there  is  nothing  to  interfere  with  your 
visit  to  your  aunt  Margaret."  So  much  was  he  gratified,  in- 
deed, that  as  he  rose  to  leave  the  room,  having  finished  his 
early  breakfast,  he  laid  his  hand  upon  her  head  in  an  affection- 
ate and  paternal  manner,  which,  considering  his  usual  undem- 
onstrative and  reserved  character,  might  almost  be  termed  a 
caress,  and  at  least  signified  a  marked  degree  of  approval. 

Light  as  was  the  touch,  it  drew  tears  from  Mabel's  eyes,  and 
left  its  impress  on  her  heart  for  many  a  long  day  afterward. 
It  seemed  to  reward  her  sacrifice  with  a  father's  blessing. 


248  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

Harry's  views  and  feelings,  as  he  entered  a  moment  after, 
were  not  so  easy  to  determine. 

"  You  see  I  have  not  gone,"  said  Mabel,  with  an  attempt  at 
playfulness,  as  he  made  his  appearance  in  the  door-way  and 
stopped  short  at  sight  of  her. 

"  So  I  perceive,"  said  he,  advancing  into  the  room  and  seat- 
ing himself  at  the  table  with  a  languid  air. 

"  We  women  have  such  a  blessed  privilege  of  changing  our 
minds,  you  know,"  added  she  in  the  same  tone. 

"  Yes,  I  should  think  so ;  you  seem  to  have  veered  about 
with  as  much  ease  as  a  weather-cock.  It  is  not  many  hours 
ago  that  I  saw  you  plumed  and  winged  for  flight." 

"  My  plumes  drooped  and  my  wings  refused  to  soar,  when 
it  came  to  the  trial ! " 

"  Are  n't  you  well  ? "  asked  he  quickly,  at  the  same  time 
looking  her  anxiously  and  inquiringly  in  the  face. 

"  Oh,  yes,  quite  well,  but  I  concluded  to  stay  at  home  and 
make  tea  and  coffee  for  father  and  you ;  taste  and  see  if  that 
is  sweet  enough,"  continued  she,  as  she  handed  him  a  cup  of 
steaming  Mocha  which  she  had  been  preparing. 

He  received  the  cup  with  an  unsteady  hand,  rattled  the 
spoon  nervously,  added  several  lumps  of  sugar  in  an  absent 
way,  then  ladled  them  out  carefully  into  his  saucer,  helped 
himself  to  a  piece  of  steak,  ate  voraciously  for  a  minute  or  two, 
and,  finally,  laying  down  his  knife  and  fork,  pushed  back  his 
;hair  and  seized  the  newspaper,  which  had  fallen  on  the  floor 
beside  him. 

Mabel  could  not  be  sure  whether  he  were  suspicious  or  not 
that  her  journey  had  been  abandoned  on  his  account ;  but  she 
was  pained  at  the  evident  annoyance  which  her  presence  and 
attentions  occasioned  him.  So  manifest  was  his  desire  to  escape 
her  observations,  that  she  strayed  to  the  window,  busied  her- 
self in  feeding  a  canary,  whose  cage  was  suspended  there,  and 
when  Harry  suddenly  and  impatiently  started  up  and  left  the 
.oom,  forbore  to  question  or  follow  him.  She  knew  very  well 
that  the  recovery  of  her  influence  over  her  brother  must  be 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  249 

the  work  of  time  and  patience,  and  that  he  would  not  endure 
to  be  either  watched  or  catechised. 

So  this  day  proved  no  exception  to  the  ordinary  rule,  and, 
as  usual,  he  strolled  from  home  soon  after  breakfast,  with- 
out giving  her  any  hint  of  his  destination,  or  the  probable  time 
of  his  return. 

It  was  hard  to  see  him  walk  away  so  indifferent  to  her  newly 
roused  affection,  her  anxiety,  her  prayers  in  his  behalf,  and  to 
be  left  alone  to  reflect  on  the  seeming  uselessness  of  the 
sacrifice  she  had  made.  Had  this  sacrifice  involved  some 
active  labor,  some  constant  employment  for  head  and  hands,  it 
Mrould  have  been  comparatively  easy  to  one  of  Mabel's  ener- 
getic temperament.  But  passive  endurance,  patient  waiting, 
hoping  against  hope,  heroic  virtues  as  they  are,  offer  little 
stimulus  to  resolution,  and  require  the  severest  exercise  of  self- 
denying  fortitude. 

Thus  it  was  not  strange  that  her  spirits  flagged,  as  she 
wandered  listlessly  from  room  to  room;  that  her  thoughts 
strayed  to  the  pleasure-bound  company  of  whom  she  had  hoped 
to  make  one ;  and  that  as  the  remembrance  of  a  still  dearer 
hope  agitated  her  heart,  she  could  not  resist  the  obtruding 
regret  or  check  the  rising  tear. 

But  Mabel  by  nature  was  neither  weak  nor  desponding ; 
uncertainty  and  doubt  had,  it  is  true,  to  some  degree  paralyzed 
her  powers,  and  while  halting  between  two  opinions  her  irres- 
olute conduct  had  betrayed  the  indecision  of  her  mind. 

The  path  of  right  made  plain,  however,  and  conscientiously 
adopted,  there  was  a  firmness,  stability,  and  self-respect  in  her 
character  which,  with  the  aid  of  Christian  principle,  gave 
promise  that,  cost  her  what  it  might,  she  would  pursue  it  faith- 
fully to  the  end.  "  I  have  made  my  choice,"  thought  she,  as, 
starting  up  from  an  indolent  and  meditative  posture,  she  seemed 
at  the  same  time  to  shake  off  the.  morbid  and  discouraging  fan- 
cies which  were  gradually  settling  down  upon  her  mind.  "  If 
Dudley  loves  me  truly,  he  can  trust  me;  if  not,  —  but  I  will 
not  suppose  that  possible,  —  he  knows  how  much  I  depended 
on  the  journey,  he  will  believe  that  no  slight  cause  has  detained 


250  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

me  here,  —  he  will  return  and  assure  himself  of  the  truth.  In 
the  mean  time  I  will  not  waste  my  energies  in  useless  repin- 
ing." 

So,  resorting  to  the  well-remembered  remedy  always  recom- 
mended by  Mrs.  Herbert  in  cases  of  home-sickness  and  other 
mental  maladies,  she  at  once  sought  employment,  and  com- 
menced, reluctantly,  the  task  of  answering  numerous  letters 
from  her  school-mates.  She  made  every  effort  to  write  in  u 
cheerful  strain,  and  her  young  friends  saw  nothing  in  her  com- 
munications to  indicate  the  circumstances  under  which  they 
were  written ;  but  as  Mrs.  Herbert,  who  was  permitted  to 
peruse  them,  observed  that  her  once  glowing  descriptions  of 
city  life  were  wholly  superseded  by  tender  and  touching  remi- 
niscences of  her  school  days,  she  inwardly  suspected  that  the 
former  had  already  palled  upon  her  taste,  and  that  she  yearned 
once  more  for  the  simple  joys  of  her  childhod  and  her  country 
home. 

Mabel  made  more  than  one  attempt  to  thank  this  long-tried 
friend  for  her  recently  discovered  and  precious  gift,  to  express 
some  sense  of  the  earnest  gratitude  she  felt  for  all  her  love  and 
counsel,  and  rejoice  her  heart  with  the  assurance  that  the  les- 
sons so  faithfully  imparted  to  her  in  youth  were  destined  to  be 
the  guide  of  her  womanhood ;  but  each  time  she  shrunk  from 
the  difficulties  involved  in  such  an  attempt,  and  at  length  laid 
down  her  pen  in  despair  of  succeeding  to  her  own  satisfaction. 
She  dared  not  boast  of  resolutions  not  yet  confirmed  by  prac- 
tice ;  she  feared  to  betray  the  secret  of  her  disquiet  and  unhap- 
piness,  nor  could  she  compromise  Harry  by  replying  truthfully 
to  the  many  inquiries  concerning  him,  which  Mrs.  Herbert's 
affectionate  interest  in  his  welfare  had  suggested.  So  the  diffi- 
cult duty  was  for  the  present  abandoned  altogether. 

At  two  o'clock  Mr.  Vaughan  came  home  to  an  early  dinner, 
as  had  been  his  custom  since  the  weather  became  warm.  Harry 
did  not  make  his  appearance,  however,  and  Mabel,  as  she  sat 
opposite  her  father  at  table,  was  struck  with  his  extremely 
anxious  and  haggard  countenance.  He  was  more  than  usually 
taciturn,  only  rousing  himself  from  his  abstraction  once  during 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  251 

the  meal,  and  then  to  remark,  rather  abruptly,  "  You  are  all 
alone,  my  dear,  —  it  is  very  dull  for  you,  —  I  hope  we  shall 
break  up  here  before  many  days." 

Mabel  declared  herself  ready  to  go  or  remain,  as  he  thought 
best,  and  no  more  was  said  on  the  subject ;  but  after  a  hurried 
repast,  he  rose  to  repair  to  his  office. 

The  weather  was  tempting,  there  was  no  prospect  of  Harry's 
return  for  some  hours,  and  Mabel  proposed  to  accompany  her 
father  a  part  of  the  way. 

He  assented  to  the  proposition  in  an  absent  manner,  and 
paced  the  hall  impatiently  until  she  appeared  ready  for  the 
walk.  So  silent  and  self-engrossed  was  he,  that  Mabel  walked 
beside  him  for  the  distance  of  several  squares,  without  his 
addressing  a  syllable  to  her,  nor  could  she  fail  to  observe  with 
pain  an  increased  stoop  in  his  figure,  and  tremulousness  in  his 
gait.  She  left  him  at  the  corner  of  the  street  leading  to  the 
widow  Hope's  dwelling;  and  as  she  proceeded  thither  to  inquire 
after  Rose,  her  sadness  at  these  symptoms  of  old  age  and  de- 
bility in  her  recently  strong  and  vigorous  parent,  was  mingled 
with  a  fresh  glow  of  self-gratulation  that  she  had  not  suffered 
herself  to  act  in  direct  opposition  to  his  wishes. 

Rosy  was  overjoyed  at  seeing  her,  and  Lydia,  who  stood 
behind  the  counter  waiting  upon  a  customer,  was  so  excited 
with  pleasure  that  she  could  scarcely  command  sufficient  arith- 
metic to  make  the  simple  calculations  which  her  office  involved. 
None  of  the  family  had  seen  her  since  Rosy's  never-to-be-for- 
gotten drive ;  and  of  all  the  kindnesses  she  had  rendered  them 
none  had  ever  called  forth  so  warm  an  expression  of  gratitude. 

"  She 's  been  brighter  and  better  ever  since,"  exclaimed  the 
mother,  with  tears  in  her  eyes,  "  and  so  happy  ! " 

"  Miss  Mabel,"  cried  the  excited  Lydia,  "  it  was  splendid ; 
how  came  you  to  think  of  it  ?  it  has  half  cured  her !  and  those 
dear  boys,  —  they  were  as  pleased  as  if  they  'd  never  had  a 
ride  before,  and  all  on  Rosy's  account,  too,  —  look  at  her,  Miss 
Mabel,  see  how  she  has  brightened  up." 

She  did,  indeed,  seem  changed ;  there  was  an  expression  on 
the  little  face  such  as  Mabel  had  never  seen  there  before;  it 


252  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

seemed  to  tell  of  some  inward  rapture,  some  foretaste  of  coming 
glory. 

"  Miss  Mabel,"  said  Rose,  in  her  little  quiet  voice,  when  her 
mother  had  walked  away,  and  Lydia  had  returned  to  the 
counter,  "  it  is  n't  that  I  am  any  better,  but  it  has  given  me 
such  beautiful  thoughts  all  day,  and  such  beautiful  dreams  all 
night.  I  knowT  I  shan't  be  here  long,  but  I  am  not  afraid  to 
go.  Oh,  Miss  Mabel,  if  God's  earth  is  so  glorious,  what  must 
his  Heaven  be ! " 

"  Earth  is  but  a  sad  place,  after  all,  Rosy,"  said  Mabel,  with 
a  sigh. 

The  child's  ear,  tuned  to  that  plaintive  minor  chord  which 
reveals  the  suffering  of  the  heart,  recognized  as  by  intuition 
the  mood  of  Mabel's  mind,  and  turning  upon  her  a  face  full  of 
tender  anxiety,  she  said,  "  Do  you  call  it  sad  ?  are  you  a  weary 
pilgrim,  too  ?  and  is  your  path  ever  dark  ?  I  thought  it  was 
always  as  bright  as  sunshine." 

"  Oh,  Rosy,"  said  Mabel,  glancing  up  at  the  engraving  from 
which,  as  usual,  Rose's  figure  was  drawn,  "  I  cannot  see  my 
way  at  all,  there  is  such  a  thick  cloud  over  head." 

She  had  not  calculated  upon  the  effect  of  this  acknowledg- 
ment, which  she  would  have  shrunk  from  making  to  one  less 
simple-hearted  and  innocent  than  Rose.  It  seemed  to  estab- 
lish at  once  the  only  bond  of  sympathy  ever  wanting  between 
herself  and  the  suffering  child,  who  seized  her  hand,  pressed  it 
to  her  thin  lips,  and  exclaimed,  fervently,  "  God  will  show  the 
way,  Miss  Mabel ;  he  will  lighten  your  path  as  he  has  light- 
ened mine." 

The  child's  solemn  and  prophetic  assurance  of  heavenly 
guidance,  both  awed  and  touched  the  soul  that  yearned  for 
encouragement  and  strength.  Mabel  could  not  answer,  except 
by  the  tears  which  started  to  her  eyes.  Rose  went  on. 

"  There  used  to  be  long  days  and  nights,  Miss  Mabel,  when 
I  lay  on  my  little  bed  in  great  pain,  worrying  to  think  how 
much  trouble  I  gave,  how  poor  we  were,  and,  more  than  all, 
about  Jack,  and  what  would  become  of  him.  I  could  not  see 
God  always  then.  I  could  not  understand  how  so  many  sor- 


MABEL  VAUGHAN.  25e3 

rows  could  be  sent  in  love.  I  tried  to  be  patient.  I  tried  to 
be  hopeful  and  believing ;  but  I  could  not  understand.  I  see 
it  all  now,  though,"  she  added,  a  glow  overspreading  and 
irradiating  her  pale  face,  while  the  eyes  that  had  lost  their 
strained  appeara!fe^%eemed  calmly  to  contemplate  a  near  and 
visible  joy.  "  The  pain  is  all  gone.  I  am  not  anxious  now, 
not  even  about  Jack ;  the  picture  promised  truly,  —  the  end 
has  almost  come,  and  the  light  I  see  is  that  which  streams 
from  the  Paradise  of  God." 

She  looked,  indeed,  like  one  already  half  translated,  as,  borne 
on  the  wings  of  faith,  she  saw  all  her  past  sufferings  merged 
in  the  fulness  of  joy. 

Such  a  clear  discerning  of  God's  providence  in  one  who  had 
groped  her  way  through  a  sea  of  suffering,  was  like  a  light 
shining  in  a  dark  place.  The  cloud  seemed  lifted  from  Mabel's 
future,  as  she  listened  to  the  child's  grateful  tribute  to  the  love 
which  had  crowned  her  days. 

"  Dear  Rose,  dear  child,"  said  she,  "  it  does  me  good  to  see 
you  so  happy.  You  certainly  have  a  heaven  in  your  heart,  — 
I  must  try  and  learn  some  of  your  secrets." 

The  child  smiled  at  the  last  word,  then  with  mingled  sweet- 
ness and  gravity,  whispered,  drawing  Mabel  down  so  that  her 
mouth  came  close  to  her  ear,  "  God  will  send  his  blessed  an- 
gels to  teach  you  all  my  secrets,  and  I  will  pray  to  Him  every 
night  to  take  away  your  cloud." 

From  this  time,  the  relations  hitherto  subsisting  between 
Mabel  and  Rose  seemed  totally  reversed.  Until  now,  the  for- 
mer had  acted  the  part  of  the  elder,  stronger,  wiser  friend,  but 
in  this,  and  in  all  their  future  interviews,  the  strength,  the  wris- 
dom,  and  the  riper  years,  which  had  constituted  her  superior- 
ity, instinctively  gave  place  to  that  experience  in  Heavenly 
truth,  that  knowledge  of  things  divine,  in  which  Rose  was  the 
thoroughly-gifted  teacher,  and  she  but  the  humble  disciple.  It 
is  true  there  was  no  outward  and  visible  token  of  their  altered 
position.  Beauty,  wealth,  and  a  high  place  in  the  social  scale, 
all  combined  to  render  Mabel,  as  she  had  ever  been,  the  object 
of  the  sick  girl's  respectful  admiration ;  and  the  infirmities  of 

22 


254  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

Rose,  more  than  ever,  claimed  the  tenderest  compassion  in  re- 
turn ;  but  a  shadow  had  fallen  on  the  path  of  the  one,  while 
the  other  had  reached  the  point  where  all  shadows  flee  away ; 
and  the  maiden  who  had  but  just  begun  to  meet  the  battle  of 
life,  gladly  caught  up  the  sacred  weapons  with  which  the  child 
had  achieved  her  victory. 

Thus,  almost  daily,  she  found  herself  drawn  to  that  little 
sanctuary  of  holy  hopes,  devout  meditations,  and  serene  joy, 
where  not  she  alone,  but  many  a  troubled  heart  besides,  learned 
a  true  and  lasting  lesson  from  the  unconscious  glow  of  piety 
which  illumined  the  face  of  the  wasted  and  now  dying  girl. 

Almost  to  the  last,  she  occupied  her  little  flag-bottomed  arm- 
chair, in  the  window  of  her  mother's  shop,  reluctant  to  give  up 
her  daily  and  loving  intercourse  with  the  numerous  friends 
who  looked  to  see  her  there,  and  so  much  was  Mabel  with  her 
during  the  last  fortnight  of  her  life,  that  her  face,  too,  became 
familiar  to  the  neighborhood,  which  seemed  animated  by  a 
grateful  affection  for  Rosy's  beautiful  friend. 

They  knew  how  unsparing  she  had  been  in  attentions  and 
gifts  to  the  little  invalid ;  they  had  measured  with  their  eyes 
many  a  parcel  of  books,  fruit,  and  wholesome  food,  which  they 
had  seen  carried  into  the  widow's  dwelling,  and  they  had  re- 
joiced in  Rosy's  joy  on  the  eventful  day  of  the  drive. 

But  they  did  not  know  the  precious  blessings  she  had  carried 
away,  they  could  not  measure  the  refreshing  nourishment  her 
soul  had  imbibed  from  this  fountain  of  childish  wisdom,  they 
could  not  rejoice  in  the  holy  and  penitent  emotions  there 
awakened  —  emotions  such  as  make  joy  .in  Heaven. 

Only  in  after  years  did  Mabel  herself  fully  realize  the  source 
whence  most  of  her  holy  aspirations  were  drawn  ;  only  when 
she  had  proved  the  fallacy  of  more  presumptuous  teachers,  and 
learned  that  the  sublimest  truths  are  often  those  which  God  has 
hid  from  the  wise  and  prudent,  and  has  revealed  unto  babes ! 

On  the  day  of  the  conversation  with  Rose,  some  portion  of 
which  has  been  related  in  detail,  she  left  the  widow  Hope's 
shop  to  return  home,  with  a  heart  wonderfully  cheered  and 
lightened  of  its  burthen.  It  was  nearly  dark,  when,  as  she 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  255 

crossed  the  little  park  in  the  direction  leading  to  her  father's 
house,  she  overtook  Harry.  He  had  entered  the  square  from 
a  different  street,  and  seeing  her  hastening  towards  him,  stop- 
ped and  waited  for  her. 

"  You  have  been  walking  fast,"  said  he,  as  she  came  up. 

"  Yes,"  she  answered,  a  little  out  of  breath,  "  I  saw  it  was 
getting  dark." 

He  did  not  ask  where  she  had  been,  but  walked  beside  her 
in  silence,  and  when  they  reached  the  house,  accompanied  her 
up  the  steps  and  rang  tli£  bell. 

As  Robert  appeared,  however,  and  opened  the  door,  he 
turned  to  walk  away. 

"  Oh,  do  n't  go,  Harry ! "  exclaimed  she,  adding  with  wo- 
manly tact,  "  I  shall  be  all  alone."  She  knew  how  much  more 
readily  in  his  present  mood  he  would  confer  than  receive  a 
favor.  "  Father  has  not  come  in,  has  he  ?  "  asked  she,  turning 
quickly  to  Robert. 

"  No,  Miss." 

"  Oh,  do  stay  then,  Harry,  and  take  tea  with  me." 

"  Tea,"  muttered  he,  as  he  reluctantly  followed  her  into  the 
hall,  "  who  wants  tea  such  a  warm  evening  ?  " 

"  Aunt  Sabiah  says  one  is  always  cooler  after  tea  in  sum- 
mer," replied  she  playfully,  leading  the  way  as  she  spoke  to 
her  little  treasure  apartment. 

"  Because  the  sun  has  gone  down,"  replied  he,  with  a  smile, 
almost  with  a  laugh. 

Far  as  it  was  from  being  a  genuine,  hearty  laugh,  Mabel 
hailed  it  as  of  good  omen,  and  flinging  her  bonnet  upon  the 
table,  and  throwing  open  the  blinds  of  a  wide  window  extend- 
ing to  the  floor,  she  at  once  gave  admittance  to  the  breeze,  and 
imparted  an  attractive  air  to  the  little  apartment.  Harry  drew 
an  arm  chair  to  the  window,  threw  himself  into  it,  and  looked 
out.  Mabel  sat  down  on  the  window-sill  resting  her  feet  on  a 
little  balcony  outside.  The  moon  presently  began  to  shine  on 
the  little  park,  and  the  trees  to  cast  long  shadows.  It  was  a 
pleasant  scene,  presented  by  this  June  evening,  even  in  the 
city.  It  reminded  Mabel  of  similar  evenings  at  her  grand- 


256  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

mother's,  or  Mrs.  Herbert's,  when  she  and  Harry  bad  sat  to- 
gether for  hours  on  the  door-step  in  the  moon-light.  She  ven- 
tured some  reference  to  those  bygone  days,  and  Harry,  falling 
in  with  her  train  of  thought,  listened  without  impatience  to  her 
reminiscences,  and  even  called  up  incidents  in  thejr  childhood 
which  had  quite  escaped  her  recollection. 

Tremblingly  rejoicing  in  the  success  which  was  attending 
her  efforts,  Mabel  spared  no  pains  to  render  the  occasion 
agreeable.  She  ordered  tea  to  be  brought  to  them  instead  of 
descending  to  the  dining-room,  and  bade  Robert  light  the  ala- 
baster lamp,  which  threw  a  scarcely  less  soft  and  pleasant 
glow  of  light  through  the  room  than  that  which  prevailed  out- 
side. 

Now  and  then  Harry  rose  and  paced  the  room  nervously,  as 
if  on  the  point  of  leaving  her ;  then,  seeming  to  think  she 
would  be  lonely,  —  possibly  timid,  —  for  there  was  an  unusual 
noise  of  voices  in  the  street  below,  he  sat  down  again,  and  so 
the  evening  passed  away.  Mabel  could  not  but  suspect  that 
he  had  staid  with  her  reluctantly,  but  it  was  no  slight  triumph 
that  he  had  remained  on  any  terms,  and  it  was  an  inexpressi- 
ble satisfaction  to  bid  him  good-night,  and  see  him  ascend  to 
bis  own  room,  like  the  Harry  of  former  times. 

Taught  by  this  instance  of  success,  she  afterwards  made  fre- 
quent appeals  to  his  kind  and  brotherly  feeling,  and  occasion- 
ally with  a  similar  result.  She  needed  exercise,  —  would  he 
take  a  walk  with  her  ?  she  longed  for  the  country  air,  —  would 
he  not  drive  her  out  ?  selfish  pleas,  which  she  might  reasonably 
urge,  for  her  life  was  one  of  unusual  restraint  and  monotony. 
She  chose  for  her  constant  occupancy  a  seat  in  her  little  room, 
where  Harry  was  almost  sure  to  find  her  whenever  he  felt  the 
disposition,  and  it  soon  became  evident  that  his  desire  to  avoid 
her  society  was  somewhat  abated,  as  he  often  lounged  in  for  a 
few  moments  at  a  time,  either  after  breakfast,  or  when  he 
chanced  to  return  home  to  dinner.  But  though  he  no  longer 
seemed  to  look  upon  her  as  one  seeking  occasion  to  watch  and 
censure  him,  and  though  now  and  then  she  succeeded  in  engross- 
ing a  short  interval  of  his  time,  these  grounds  of  hope  were  slight 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  257 

and  infrequent,  while  her  discouragements  were  continual  and 
pressing.  Day  by  day  his  countenance  grew  more  unnatural, 
his  step  more  unsteady,  while  his  expression  of  nervous  dis- 
tress and  uneasiness  had  become  fixed  and  habitual.  Midnight 
and  the  early  morning  hours  often  found  Mabel  at  her  solitary 
window,  awaiting  his  return ;  and  the  disappointment  of  his 
failing  to  come  at  all  was  less  bitter  than  the  coarse  jokes,  an- 
gry oaths,  or  wild,  wandering  glances,  which  at  times  betrayed 
his  sad  condition. 

Her  father,  too,  was  evidently  the  subject  of  more  than  one 
harassing  anxiety.  Those  fatal  charts  over  which  he  had 
pored  all  winter,  engrossed  his  time  whenever  he  chanced  to 
be  at  home,  and,  frequently,  when  he  left  the  house,  he  rolled 
them  up  and  took  them  under  his  arm,  while  Mabel  watched 
him  as  he  came  and  went  every  time  with  a  deeper  shadow  on 
his  brow. 

And  there  was  still  another  for  whom  she  watched  and 
waited,  who  came  not  at  all ;  another  footstep  whose  fancied  echo 
now  and  then  caused  her  a  sudden  start;  another  form  which 
haunted  her  by  day  and  stole  into  her  dreams  at  night;  but  step 
and  form  were  alike  imaginary.  Had  there  been  a  letter,  or  a 
message  simply,  it  might  have  afforded  some  solace  to  her 
aching  heart — had  Louise  even  written,  and  incidentally  allud- 
ed to  the  companions  of  her  journey ;  but  no,  all  was  blank 
silence,  and  Mabel  was  forced  to  the  conclusion  —  he  does  not 
trust,  perhaps  he  never  loved. 

All  her  faith,  indeed,  was  needed  to  sustain  her  drooping 
spirits  in  the  many  lonely  hours  to  which  she  was  condemned. 
As  she  wandered  through  the  solitary  rooms  of  her  father's 
spacious  house,  she  sometimes  longed  for  the  idle  rattle  of 
Louise,  the  merry  voices  of  the  boys,  or  even  the  light  foot  and 
busy  tongue  of  Cecilia,  to  break  the  dreary  silence  and  mo- 
notony. 

But  in  these  seasons  of  sad  and  solitary  reflection,  deprived 

of  all  human  sympathy,  Mabel  began  to  experience  how  sweet 

it  is  to  draw  near  to  the  ever-present  friend,  who  has  bid  His 

children  cast  all  their  cares  upon  Him,  for  He  careth  for  them; 

22* 


258  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

she  learned  to  realize  in  these  bitter  hours  of  life,  that  there  is 
one  eye  that  never  sleepeth,  one  ear  that  is  ever  open  to  the 
suppliant's  cry;  and  often,  rising  above  her  sorrows  and  forget- 
ting her  solitude,  she  was  ready  to  exclaim,  "  I  am  not  alone, 
because  the  Father  is  with  me." 


CHAPTER    XXIII. 

No  studied  words  of  sympathy 

Were  coldly  whispered  round ; 
Tne  silence  of  the  humble  throng 

Told  more  than  measured  sound. 
And  children  touched  the  cold,  white  brow, 

And  then  in  awe  stood  by, 
Their  new-learnt  lesson  thinking  o'er, 

Of  angels  in  the  sky.  A.  M.  F.  ANNAN. 

THE  month  of  June  had  nearly  half  expired.  Mr.  Vaughan 
still  delayed  his  journey  to  the  West,  and  gave  Mabel  no  new 
intimation  of  his  wish  that  she  should  start  for  L.  Perhaps  he 
still  hoped  that  Harry,  who  had  listened  in  moody  silence  to 
the  declaration  of  his  wishes  in  respect  to  his  profession,  and 
had  thus  far  shown  no  disposition  to  carry  them  into  effect, 
would  at  length  manifest  some  symptoms  of  compliance  and 
accompany  her.  He  forbore  to  urge  the  point,  however,  and 
in  spite  of  the  increasing  heat,  no  departure  from  the  city  was 
alluded  to,  until  one  evening,  when  all  three  having  been  pres- 
ent at  dinner,  Mr.  Vaughan  rose  at  its  conclusion  and  gravely 
announced  to  Harry  his  wish  to  speak  with  him  in  the  library, 
to  which  room  he  himself  immediately  repaired.  Harry  lin- 
gered a  few  moments  at  the  table,  then  rising  with  the  air  of  a 
detected  culprit,  followed  his  father,  closed  the  door  behind 
him,  and  the  two  were  closeted  together  for  nearly  an  hour. 

This  period  was  one  to  Mabel  of  painful  suspense ;  the  for- 
mality of  the  interview  left  her  little  doubt  of  its  importance, 
and  she  could  easily  conjecture  the  nature  of  the  subjects  likely 
to  be  brought  up.  Deeply  agitated,  trembling  so  that  she  could 
scarcely  stand,  and  straining  her  ears  to  catch  the  slightest 
sound,  she  remained  in  the  spot  where  they  had  left  her,  until 
she  heard  the  library  door  open  and  saw  Harry  leave  the  house, 


260  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

followed  soon  after  by  Mr.  Vaughan,  who,  walking  slowly,  with 
his  hands  behind  him,  looked  like  one  upon  whom  trouble  has 
fallen  with  a  sudden  weight,  which  he  is  calculating  the  chances 
and  possibilities  of  relieving. 

She  learned,  afterwards,  that  her  father  and  brother  had  been 
engaged  in  settling  the  preliminaries  of  the  latter's  leaving  New 
York  for  L. ;  and  that  these  preliminaries  consisted  of  a  con- 
fession on  Harry's  part  of  a  heavy  debt  (a  debt  of  honor,  so 
called,  contracted  at  the  gaming  table),  which  effectually  pre- 
vented his  leaving  the  city,  and  of  an  agreement,  with  difficulty 
entered  into  by  his  already  embarrassed  parent,  to  meet  the 
demand  and  free  him  from  the  mortifying  shackles,  upon  con- 
dition of  his  conforming  strictly  to  his  views,  and  at  once  com- 
mencing the  study  of  law  with  Judge  Paradox.  She  learned, 
too,  to  her  surprise,  that  this  was  the  first  interview  Mr. 
Vaughan  had  ever  had  with  Harry  on  the  subject  of  his  mis- 
conduct, and  that  even  now,  he  received  his  confession  and  dis- 
missed him  without  any  other  reprimand  than  that  which  the 
dullest  eye  might  detect  in  his  countenance ;  this  course  being 
simply  characteristic  of  his  extreme  reserve,  even  with  his 
family,  and  want  of  force  in  regulating  the  conduct  of  his  house- 
hold. It  was  only  after  a  considerable  lapse  of  time,  however, 
that  Mabel  became  aware  of  these  facts,  and  at  present  she  was 
left  to  all  the  pain  of  uncertainty  and  apprehension. 

This  was  somewhat  allayed  by  the  circumstance  that  her 
father  and  Harry  both  returned  home  at  an  earlier  hour  than 
usual,  and  by  her  observing  that,  though  excessively  constrained 
in  each  other's  society,  they  seemed  individually  to  be  relieved, 
and  in  a  slight  degree  cheered ;  the  one  that  he  had  made  a 
confession  which  it  was  no  longer  possible  to  escape,  and  the 
other  from  a  conviction  that,  bad  as  the  case  was,  he  now  knew 
the  worst. 

Mr.  Vaughan  took  an  early  opportunity  of  informing  his 
daughter  that  it  was  his  desire  that  she  should  leave  for  L.,  the 
following  week,  with  Harry,  and  the  latter  indirectly  confirmed 
the  tidings  of  his  intended  departure,  by  some  accidental  refer- 
ence to  the  journey.  Mabel  also  learned  that  her  father's  long 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  261 

postponed  trip  to  the  West  would  take  place  immediately  upon 
his  having  dismissed  the  servants,  and  closed  the  house,  meas- 
ures which  he  had  resolved  to  adopt,  as  he  should  be  absent 
for  an  indefinite  period. 

She  had  now  plenty  of  employment.  For  the  first  time  she 
realized  the  necessity  of  looking  over  her  father's  wardrobe, 
and  providing  for  his  comfort,  during  the  many  weeks  of  his 
absence ;  and  this,  with  similar  cares  for  herself  and  Harry, 
promised  ample  occupation,  and  caused  her  to  rejoice  in  that 
womanly  skill  and  capability  which  made  her  independent  of 
Cecilia,  who  had  usually  officiated  with  her  needle  in  this  de- 
partment. 

She  was  busily  engaged  the  next  morning,  going  from  room 
to  room,  collecting  various  articles  which  were  in  need  of  some 
slight  repair,  when  she  received  a  summons  to  the  hall  door, 
where  a  little  girl  stood  waiting  to  deliver  a  message  from  Mrs. 
Hope.  Rose  was  very  low,  had  been  anxious  to  see  her,  — 
would  she  try  and  come  at  once  ? 

Had  Mabel  had  more  experience  in  cases  of  slow  decline 
she  would  not  have  been  astonished  at  this  summons,  for,  to 
those  who  understood  Hose's  symptoms,  it  was  only  a  matter 
of  surprise  that  she  had  lingered  so  long ;  but  Mabel  had  not 
realized,  until  now,  how  surely  and  speedily  death  must  follow 
the  decay,  whose  progress  she  had  marked  step  by  step,  and  a 
chill  and  shudder  crept  over  her  frame  as  she  hastily  prepared 
to  follow  the  little  messenger,  who  had  run  back  as  swiftly  as 
she  came.  Although  the  day  was  oppressively  hot,  she  would 
not  wait  for  the  carriage,  but  walking  a  short  distance,  and  then 
availing  herself  of  a  Broadway  omnibus,  she  soon  reached  her 
destination. 

An  air  of  unusual  quiet  and  sadness  seemed  to  pervade  the 
little  street ;  the  neighbors  looked  after  Mabel  as  she  passed, 
wondering  whether  she,  like  them,  knew  of  the  fearful  change 
which  a  few  hours  had  made ;  the  children  had  ceased  their 
play,  and  two  of  the  elder  ones  sat  weeping  on  the  door-step  of 
the  closed  shop.  Mabel  approached  the  little  alley  which  com- 
municated with  the  rear  of  the  building,  and  at  its  entrance  en- 


262  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

countered  Rosy's  sturdy  friend,  the  youthful  teamster,  who  was 
brushing  his  rough  sleeve  across  his  eyes,  and  did  not  see  her 
until  she  paused  to  let  him  pass.  As  he  looked  up,  recognized 
her,  and  read  an  anxious  inquiry  in  her  face,  he  said  in  a  low, 
tremulous  voice,  "  She 's  going,  —  they  tell  me  she  can't  last 
the  day  out."  Then  pressing  his  lips  firmly  together,  as  strong 
men  do  when  their  feelings  threaten  to  get  the  mastery  of  them, 
he  rushed  by  her,  crossed  the  street,  and  darted  down  the  arch- 
way. 

In  the  humble  courtyard,  women  were  engaged  at  their  wash- 
tubs,  or  in  hanging  out  clothes,  and  as  she  stooped  in  passing 
beneath  the  wet  linen  more  than  one  eye  followed  her  with 
mournful  interest,  while  now  and  then  a  childish  face  glanced 
up  with  a  pitiful,  imploring  look,  as  if  hoping  she  had  come 
indued  with  some  magic  power  to  make  Rosy  well  again.  Just 
as  she  reached  the  widow's  door,  she  stopped  short,  believing 
that  the  angel  of  death  had  preceded  her,  for  outside  the  shed, 
stretched  across  a  little  wood-pile,  lay  a  forlorn  figure,  con- 
vulsed with  sobs,  which  she  at  once  recognized  as  that  of  Jack. 
The  poor  boy  had  evidently  thrown  himself  there  in  an  agony 
of  grief,  and  in  the  self-abandonment  of  a  first  heart-breaking 
sorrow  was  utterly  unconscious  of  everything  around.  His 
head  rested  on  his  arms,  and  his  hands  clutched  at  the  wood, 
as  if  he  were  wrestling  with  outward  obstacles  to  ease  his  in- 
ward woe,  the  depth  of  which  might  in  some  degree  be  meas- 
ured by  the  spasmodic  heaving  of  his  chest,  and  an  hysterical 
choking  in  his  throat. 

Overwhelmed  with  pity  for  the  boy,  to  whom  she  could  not 
venture  to  speak,  and  suspecting  that  a  similar  scene  prevailed 
in  doors,  Mabel  was  hesitating  whether  she  should  not  depart 
without  intruding  into  the  house  of  mourning,  when  the  widow, 
who  had  caught  sight  of  her  figure  through  the  window,  came 
out  to  meet  her.  Mabel  took  her  hand  and  glanced  from  her 
face,  which  was  perfectly  calm,  to  that  of  the  agitated  Jack. 

"  Poor  fellow  !  "  said  Mrs.  Hope,  compassionately,  "  he  takes 
it  hard,  and  no  wonder.  She 's  been  talking  to  him,"  added 
she  in  a  whisper,  "  and  so  beautifully,  —  he  won't  forget  it  to 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  2G3 

bis  dying  day.  She  'a  asleep  now,  as  quiet  as  a  lamb ;  it 's  a 
chance  whether  she  ever  wakes,  but  if  she  should,  Miss  Mabel, 
I  thought  she'd  like  to  rest  her  eyes  on  your  face  .again  ;  she 
asked  for  you  once  or  twice  in  the  night,  —  so  if  you  '11  come 
in  "  — 

Mabel  followed  without  speaking,  —  for  she  could  not  speak, 
—  into  the  little  room.  She  was  indeed  sleeping  sweetly,  her 
little  hands  clasped  on  her  breast,  her  golden  hair  thrown  back 
upon  the  pillow,  and  a  smile  upon  her  face,  which  seemed  to 
tell  of  heavenly  dreams.  An  hour  passed  on  and  still  she 
slept ;  the  room  was  so  quiet,  that  each  breath  of  the  little 
sleeper  might  be  counted ;  there  was  no  noise  outside,  for  love 
had  set  its  faithful  guard  around  the  house,  and  every  footfall 
in  the  neighborhood  was  softened,  every  loud  voice  hushed. 
By-and-by  a  flushed,  swollen,  and  tear-stained  face  appeared 
in  the  doorway,  and  Jack,  in  his  stocking-feet,  came  slowly,  cau- 
tiously in,  and  sat  down  among  the  watchers.  There  was 
another  pause,  and  at  length  softly,  and  without  warning,  the 
blue  eyes  once  more  unclosed,  with  one  more  fond,  loving 
glance,  they  rested  in  turn  on  each  of  the  assembled  group,  — 
not  eye  to  eye,  but  soul  to  soul,  they  seemed  to  stand,  taking 
their  last  farewell  of  her  who,  in  a  moment  more,  would  be  a 
disembodied  spirit.  The  breath  grew  shorter,  the  blue  orbs 
closed,  —  they  listened,  —  there  was  no  breath  at  all,  and  then 
the  glory  came  and  settled  on  the  little  face. 

As  if  the  parting  spirit,  which  had  left  its  radiance  on  the 
mortal  clay,  still  hovered  above  their  heads,  they  all  for  a 
while  stood  motionless  and  awed ;  then,  as  a  consciousness  of 
the  dread  reality  rushed  upon  them,  Jack  darted  from  (he 
room  with  a  loud  cry  of  anguish,  Lydia  buried  her  head  in 
her  mother's  lap,  and  Mabel,  drawing  her  veil  over  her  face, 
glided  noiselessly  away. 

The  little  form  which  had  taken  birth  within  the  clo-c 
atmosphere  of  the  city,  and  pined  and  perished  in  the  nar- 
row limits  of  a  dark  and  gloomy  street,  was  not  destined  to 
sleep  its  last  sleep  within  those  crowded  and  imprisoning 
walls.  They  buried  her  on  a  quiet  hill-side,  where  the  grass 


264  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

and  wild  flowers  might  grow  on  the  little  grave,  where  summer 
insects  and  soaring  birds  might  chirp  and  sing  above  it,  and 
where  the  murmur  of  running  water  fell  upon  the  ear. 

"  Will  they  give  her  a  place  among  the  city  poor,"  asked 
the  milk-boy  of  the  ruddy  teamster,  nodding  his  head  signifi- 
cantly in  the  direction  of  the  vacant  window. 

Owen  Dowst,  —  for  that  was  the  teamster's  name,  —  feared 
so,  but  it  seemed  to  him  a  pity. 

He  but  echoed  the  thought  of  the  boisterous  milk-boy, 
who  had  a  heart  as  big  and  tender  as  his  voice  was  deep  and 
sonorous.  "There's  a  little  Dutch  burying-ground  in  the 
corner  of  my  father's  milk-farm,"  said  the  boy ;  "  it  slopes 
down  to  the  East  River,  and  is  out  o'  use  now.  There 's  no 
crowding  there,  —  room  enough,  and  a  plenty  for  many  a 
child  like  that ;  tell  'em  so ;  and  look  here,  Owen,  if  the  idea 
suits  the  widder,  drive  out  with  your  team  to-night,  and  1  '11 
be  there  myself  with  a  spade." 

And  so  it  was  that  no  hired  hands  dug  the  little  grave. 

"  The  blessed  Lord  spared  our  Jemmy  to  us,  it 's  now  six 
months  ago,  wife,"  said  a  pale-faced  undertaker,  whose  work- 
shop was  not  far  off,  "  and  there  's  the  box  I  worked  away  at, 
that  long  week,  while  you  watched  to  see  him  die.  I  could  n't 
ever  sell  it,  no  how.  I  've  cried  over  it  many  a  time,  and 
often  thought,  when  I  've  laid  eyes  on 't  since,  that  it  seemed 
like  a  keepsake,  to  remind  me  o'  the  mercy  o'  the  Lord.  But 
I've  been  a  thinkin'  to  part  with  it.  If  'twould  n't  be  no 
offence  to  anybody,  I  'd  like  to  see  the  little  golden-haired  gal, 
that  had  such  a  pretty  smile  for  everybody,  laid  in  the  cradle 
I  made  for  my  boy.  It 's  the  best  o'  stuff,  and  I  driv  every 
nail  myself.  S'posen  you  go  round  to-night  and  speak  on 't 
to  the  poor  woman.  Speak  kind  o'  gentle,  wife ;  poor  soul, 
her  child  is  gone." 

A  messenger  was  dispatched  in  due  season  by  Mabel,  to 
make  every  possible  offer  of  assistance,  but  all  that  love 
could  dictate  had  been  done  already ;  the  humble  neighbors 
had  vied  with  each  other  in  their  efforts  to  comfort  the  family 
and  honor  the  memory  of  the  angel  child. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  265 

The  funeral  was  appointed  for  the  day  preceding  that  on 
which  Mabel  was  to  leave  New  York,  and  she  was  in  attend- 
ance at  an  early  hour.  The  house  was  quiet  and  in  perfect 
order ;  she  entered  at  the  shop  door,  but  the  bell  was  muffled 
and  gave  forth  no  sound.  The  kitchen  into  which  she  passed 
wras  vacant,  save  that  the  child,  clad  in  her  snow  white  robes, 
seemingly  lay  sleeping  there.  The  little  hands  were  peace- 
fully folded  on  the  breast,  the  serene  smile  still  rested  on  the 
face,  and  beauty  was  stamped  upon  the  features  from  which 
pain  had  forever  fled.  Death  had  not  only  glorified  the  soul, 
but  had  transfigured  the  mortal  part, 

"  She  is  not  here,  —  she  is  risen,"  said  a  low,  solemn  voice, 
close  at  Mabel's  side. 

She  looked  up,  unconscious  that  any  one  had  entered  the 
room,  where  she  stood  absorbed  in  contemplation.  It  was  the 
tall  and  venerable  man,  known  to  us  as  Father  Noah.  Mabel 
recognized  him 'at  once,  though  she  could  not  recall  his  name. 
He  seemed  regardless,  however,  of  ceremony,  in  resuming  his 
acquaintance  with  her,  and  continued  — 

"  You  have  known  this  child,  —  for  she  was  a  child  in 
years,"  he  added,  as  if  feeling  that  in  some  sense  the  term 
was  misapplied. 

.  Mabel  bowed  in  assent,  her  tearful  face  speaking  plainly  of 
the  affection  she  had  felt  for  her. 

"  She  was  a  wonderful  child,"  he  exclaimed,  meditatively,  — 
"  wonderful !  She  has  accomplished  a  beautiful  work  in  this 
neighborhood,  —  it  puts  to  shame  many  of  my  profession. 
Death  has  no  power  over  such  as  she,  except  to  release  them 
from  pain.  I  am  glad  you  knew  her,"  he  said,  after  a  pause. 

Perhaps  Mabel's  expression  as  he  spoke,  revealed  some  sur- 
prise at  the  personal  interest  implied  in  his  remark,  for  he 
said  again,  —  "  Yes,  I  am  very  glad  you  knew  her.  I  have 
no  doubt  it  has  been  a  benefit  to  her,  —  I  am  sure  it  has  been 
to  you." 

"  She,  —  she  has  been  my  better  angel ! "  exclaimed  Mabel 
fervently,  —  "  she  is  still." 

"•  Her  life  has  been  a  lesson  to  us  all,"  said  the  good  clergy  - 

23 


266  MABEL    V A UGH AN. 

man.  "  I  pray  God,"  he  continued,  laying  his  hand  solemnly 
on  Mabel's  head,  "  that  He  will  perfect  and  finish  the  good 
work  which,  through  one  of  his  humblest  servants,  He  has 
begun  iii  you."  So  saying,  he  went  to  meet  Mrs.  Hope  in  the 
little  inner  room,  and  Mabel  turned  away  to  recover  her  self- 
command. 

As  she  stood  resting  her  hand  on  the  mantel-piece  above 
the  kitchen  stove,  she  caught  sight  of  an  open  daguerreotype 
case,  which,  on  a  nearer  inspection,  she  discovered  to  contain  a 
likeness  of  Rosy.  It  had  been  taken  at  some  happy  moment 
when  the  gentle  smile  was  on  her  face,  and  the  little  arm- 
chair, her  simple  dress,  and  all  the  features  of  her  ordinary 
life,  were  faithfully  impressed  by  the  magic  instrument. 
Mabel  was  wondering  that  she  had  never  seen  it  before,  and 
was  blessing  God  in  her  heart  for  that  beneficent  invention  in 
which  rich  and  poor  may  almost  be  said  to  share  alike,  when 
Jack  appeared  at  her  side  and  attempted  to  speak.  Except 
at  Rosy's  death-bed,  Mabel  had  never  seen  him  since  the  day 
they  met  in  the  grocer's  shop,  and  the  latter  scene  rose  full 
before  her  as  she  turned  and  met  his  eager  face.  Impressed 
by  her  glance,  and  half  choked  with  his  own  grief,  the  boy 
made  one  or  two  vain  attempts  to  articulate.  Then,  pointing 
at  the  likeness  of  his  sister,  he  gasped  out,  in  broken  phrase, 
the  words,  "I  —  I  —  paid  for  it  —  with — that  dollar,"  and 
overcome  by  his  emotion,  he  clapped  his  rough  hands  to  his 
face  and  disappeared  through  the  doorway. 

The  little  neighborhood  now  began  to  assemble,  and  Mabel, 
retreating  to  a  corner,  was  touched  to  see  them  enter.  There 
was  no  formality,  no  ceremony,  in  receiving  them  or  awarding 
them  their  place  ;  they  came  in  crowds,  but  there  was  no  con- 
fusion ;  the  little  house  could  not  contain  half  of  them,  and 
they  entered  in  turn  to  gaze  once  more  at  the  features  of  the 
neighborhood's  child,  and  those  for  whom  there  was  no  room 
patiently  waited  without.  All  ages  were  represented.  Old 
women  were  there,  leaning  on  their  staffs,  and  children  were 
borne  in  their  father's  arms  to  take  one  more  look  at  Rosy. 
The  girls  of  her  little  class  were  there,  wearing  no  badge  of 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  267 

mourning,  but  each,  with  instinctive -and  grateful  prompting, 
bearing  under  her  arm  the  little  testament,  —  pledge  of  Rose's 
love. 

The  service  at  length  commenced.  It  was  performed  by 
the  clergyman  already  alluded  to,  and  was  simple,  solemn, 
beautiful,  interrupted  only  by  the  sobs  which  rung  through  the 
house.  It  concluded  with  a  hymn  —  a  voluntary  and  touching 
tribute,  the  sweet  lifting  up  of  childish  voices,  the  simple  offer- 
ing of  loving  hearts.  There  was  a  pause,  and  then  the  crowd 
began  to  file  away,  lingering  without  the  door  until  the  little 
form  should  be  borne  through  their  midst,  There  had  been 
no  concerted  arrangements  with  regard  to  bearers,  and  a  slight 
hesitation  ensued  in  consequence,  when  a  tall  youth  stepped 
forward,  closed  the  casket,  lifted  it  gently  in  his  strong  arm?, 
and  bore  it  slowly  and  tenderly  through  the  parting  crowd. 
The  widow  and  her  children  followed  Owen  Dowst  as  he  thus 
cleared  for  them  a  passage  through  the  friendly  throng,  took 
their  place  in  the  humble  vehicle  which  awaited  them,  and  in 
a  moment  more  moved  on.  With  one  consent  the  assembled 
neighborhood  formed  in  long  and  regular  procession,  and  tread- 
ing the  sidewalk  with  slow  and  solemn  pace,  kept  the  carriage 
in  sight  for  the  distance  of  a  mile  or  two  and  then  reluctantly 
and  sadly  dispersed. 

Mabel  found  herself  alone  in  the  deserted  house.  She  had 
left  her  carriage  at  some  little  distance,  feeling  that  its  rich 
trappings  would  be  a  mockery  in  this  place  of  humble,  sacred 
sorrow.  She  looked  round  the  little  shop  as  if  bidding  it  a 
long  farewell,  then  stepped  upon  the  sidewalk.  An  old  woman 
stood  there  leaning  upon  her  staff — a  very  old  woman,  too 
infirm  to  follow  the  mourning  procession  —  the  same  old  wo- 
man who  lived  in  the  opposite  house  and  had  been  accustomed 
to  watch  llosy  from  the  window. 

"  We  sha  n't  ever  see  her  there  no  more,"  said  she  to  Mabel, 
pointing  with  her  crutch  to  the  little  empty  arm-chair,  "  but," 
and  she  looked  up  to  the  sky  above,  "  Heaven  do  n't  seem  so 
far  off  to  an  old  body  like  me,  now  that  I  know  she 's  sittin'  at 
some  bright  winder  up  there,  watchin'  to  see  me  comin'  in." 


268  MABEL    VAUHIIAN. 

"  Drive  out  on  the  Bloomingdale  road,  Donald,"  said  Mabel, 
when  she  reached  the  carriage.  "  You  will  overtake  the  child's 
funeral ;  follow,  but  keqp  at  a  distance." 

They  did  so;  and  as  the  little  train  moved  into  the  unpre- 
tending cemetery,  Mabel  alighted  and  joined  the  mourners, 
who  were  grouped  around  the  grave.  They  saw  the  child  laid 
in  her  quiet  resting-place, —  they  waited  and  listened  with  sad 
hearts,  while  Owen  and  the  milk-boy,  who  had  reached  the 
spot  before  them,  gently  heaped  the  earth  upon  her  grave,  and 
then  they  went  away.  Mabel  lingered  a  little  behind  the  rest, 
feeling,  as  the  earth  closed  over  the  remains  of  her  little  friend, 
scarcely  less  bereaved  than  the  broken-hearted  group  who  had 
looked  their  last  upon  the  darling  of  their  hearts.  "  Dear 
Rosy,"  thought  she,  as  seating  herself  on  the  grass  of  the  sloping 
hill-side,  she  strewed  the  mound  with  the  flowers  which  she 
had  brought  for  the  purpose,  " '  He  maketh  thee  to  lie  down  in 
green  pastures,  he  leadeth  thee  beside  the-still  waters;'  thine 
earthly  pilgrimage  was  hard,  but  its  end  is  peace,  joy,  and 
everlasting  life." 


CHAPTER   XXIV, 

Her  love  is  firme,  her  care  continuall, 

So  oft  as  he,  through  his  own  foolish  pride 

Or  weakncs,  is  to  sinful  bands  made  tbralL 

SPENSER. 

"  MY  daughter  Margaret  takes  after  me,"  was  a  favorite 
exclamation  of  the  old  lady  Vaughan.  "  She  has  more  shrewd- 
ness in  her  little  finger  than  Sabiah  has  in  her  whole  body." 

This  was  very  true ;  for  Mrs.,  now  the  widow,  Ridgway,  was 
preeminent  for  nearly  all  the  qualities  which  were  conspicuous 
in  her  mother,  and  in  which  Sabiah  was  totally  deficient.  Thus 
she  was  proud,  ambitious,  calculating,  and  selfish.  Money  was 
in  her  eyes  the  chief  good;  and  the  social  standing  and  distinc- 
tion which  it  helped  to  purchase  were  among  the  most  precious 
consequences  of  its  possession.  Keen  and  far-seeing  in  her 
observation  of  men  and  things,  she  rarely  failed  .to  gain  her 
point,  and  no  one  was  ever  known  to  win  the  advantage  of  her 
in  an  argument  or  a  bargain.  She  prided  herself  upon  being  a 
good  manager  and  upon  conducting  her  household  on  the  most 
thorough,  economical  and  saving  principles.  The  neighbor- 
hood always  gave  her  the  credit,  also,  of  managing  her  husband, 
a  patient,  plodding  man,  who  set  an  exalted  estimate  upon  her 
capacity,  and  practically  acknowledged  her  as  his  better  half. 

Hospitality  was  a  virtue  to  which  she  had  no  claim ;  for, 
unless  prompted  by  some  ulterior  motive,  she  was  seldom 
known  to  throw  open  her  doors  for  the  entertainment  of  guests. 
After  the  death  of  Mr.  Ridgway,  indeed,  her  utter  solitude 
might  seem  sufficient  to  render  her  sister's  society  desirable ; 
but  this  was  by  no  means  the  prominent  cause  of  her  extending 
an  invitation  to  Sabiah.  In  the  first  place,  her  brother  John 
had  set  her  the  example,  and  she  wouM  not  be  outdone  by  him 

23*    • 


270  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

in  patronizing  their  destitute  relative ;  and  secondly,  her  saga- 
cious mind  saw  various  ways  and  means  by  which  Sabiah 
might  be  made  a  useful  auxiliary  in  her  household.  It  was 
pride  and  policy,  therefore,  rather  than  natural  affection,  which 
induced  her  to  offer  her  sister  a  home. 

Nor  was  the  apparent  cordiality  with  which  she  begged  a 
visit  from  her  nephew  and  niece  due  to  any  more  disinterested 
motives.  Though  Mrs.  Ridgway  would  never  have  acknowl- 
edged the  fact,  she  did  not  feel  quite  satisfied  with  her  social 

position  in  L ;  and  as  the  town  of  L was  to  her  the 

world,  the  attainment  of  this  desirable  position  was  her  highest 
earthly  ambition.  It  was  true,  her  husband  had  long  been  the 
moneyed  man  of  the  place,  and  so  had  his  father  before  him. 
There  was  scarcely  a  family  of  standing  in  the  neighborhood 
which  had  not,  in  some  remote  generation,  or  in  the  person  of 
some  one  of  its  members,  been  brought  into  close  business  rela- 
tions, or  even  under  personal  obligations,  to  the  elder  or  younger 
Ridgway  ;  and  the  widow  of  the  latter  could  boast  an  acquaint- 
ance with  every  onward  and  retrograde  step  of  their  affairs, 
every  intermarriage  they  had  made,  every  inch  of  their  pedi- 
gree. 

This  intimate  knowledge  of  the  aristocracy  of  L ,  how- 
ever, had  never  ripened  into  that  actual  intimacy  with  them 
which  Mrs.  Margaret  Ridgway  coveted.  The  member  of 
Congress  for  the  district  had  been  in  the  habit  of  talking  freely 
with  Mr.  Ridgway  on  the  church  steps ;  the  handsome  daugh- 
ters of  Judge  Paradox  bowed  politely  to  his  widow,  when  they 
met  her  in  the  street  or  the  shops ;  and  all  subscription  papers 
and  charity  petitions  were  promptly  handed  to  her  door. 

Still  there  was  an  easy,  every-day  intercourse  prevailing  in 
this  choice  circle,  which  existed  quite  independently  of  the 
loud-spoken,  bustling,  and  not  over-refined  woman  of  wealth, 
who  eagerly  sought  admittance  within  its  pale ;  and  it  was  with 
the  view  of  breaking  down  this  nicely-defined  line  of  separation, 
that  she  now  proposed  to  add  to  her  own  claims  those  of  her 
nephew  and  niece. 

Though  her  sphere  of  action  and  observation  had  been  lim- 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  271 

ited,  Mrs.  Ridgway  understood  the  world  and  was  not  deceived 
in  lier  calculations.  Mr.  John  Vaughan  was  known  by  repute 
in  this  his  native  county.  New  York  was  not  so  far  distant 
but  that  reports  of  b.is  wealth,  standing,  and  fashionable  alliance 
had  reached  the  ears  of  those  who  remembered  him  in  his  boy- 
hood, and  the  busy  tongue  of  Mrs.  Ridgway  was  not  needed  to 
circulate  the  beauty  of  his  daughter  or  the  accomplishments  of 
his  foreign-bred  son. 

Thus,  when  the  aunt,  presuming  upon  the  attractions  of  her 
expected  visitors,  ventured  to  stop  the  carriage  of  the  member 
of  Congress,  converse  somewhat  more  familiarly  than  usual 
with  his  wife,  and  close  with  "  I  expect  my  nephew  and  niece 
next  week  —  your  young  people  must  call,"  a  girlish  face  on 
the  front  seat  looked  very  bright  and  animated,  and  the  lady 
herself  replied  without  hesitation,  "  They  will  do  so,  certainly ; 
what  day  did  you  say  you  expected  them  ?  " 

And  when,  too,  she  joined  Mrs.  Paradox,  coming  down 
the  church  aisle,  and  remarked  somewhat  abruptly,  "  So  my 
nephew  is  to  study  law  with  your  husband,  I  hear ! "  the  stately 
Mrs.  Paradox  pressed  Mrs.  Ridgway's  hand  with  ratln'-r  more 
warmth  than  usual,  saying,  "  Yes,  a  very  agreeable  addition  to 
our  circle,"  and  thinking,  "  a  capital  chance  for  one  of  my 
handsome  daughters." 

Thus  the  arrival  of  the  judge's  student,  and  his  sister,  the 
New  York  belle,  imparted  no  little  excitement  to  the  place. 
Mabel's  first  appearance  with  Mrs.  Ridgway  at  church,  was 
the  realization  of  a  long  delayed  hope,  and  it  was  with  pro- 
portionate disappointment  that  many  an  eye  looked  in  vain  for 
her  brother,  who,  in  spite  of  his  aunt's  offended  looks  and 
protestations,  lay  stretched  on  a  sofa  at  home.  It  was  well, 
perhaps,  that  he  staid  away  on  this  occasion,  for  the  presence 
of  Mabel  alone  proved  sufficient  to  turn  the  heads  of  all  the 
young  girls  in  the  congregation.  Her  height,  her  dress,  her 
complexion,  were  duly  studied,  and  more  than  one  little  piece 
of  vanity  spent  the  whole  of  the  sermon  time  mentally  en- 
deavoring to  cut  the  pattern  of  a  graceful  fall  of  lace,  which 
gave  Miss  Vaughan's  straw  bonnet  such  a  genteel  air. 


272  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

In  the  course  of  the  week  everybody  called,  and  various 
festivities,  purposely  postponed  until  now,  began  to  be  talked 
of  and  prepared  for.  The  young  strangers,  meanwhile,  were 
the  universal  subjects  of  notice  and  conversation.  Mabel's  man- 
ners, beauty,  and  becoming  attire,  furnished  no  small  source  of 
novelty  and  interest,  but  the  innovations  and  surprises  which 
Harry  introduced,  were  of  a  still  more  startling  and  original 
nature  in  the  eyes  of  the  quiet  towns  people.  His  English 
gig  was  of  a  style  never  before  seen  in  L. ;  his  long-tailed 
gray  ponies  were  not  to  be  surpassed  in  the  country ;  but  these 
wonders  were  eclipsed  by  the  arrival  of  his  famous  trotting 
mare,  Mad  Sallie,  which  he  had  ordered  to  be  sent  after  him, 
and  which,  with  its  fancy  blanket  and  braided  tail,  was  talked 
of  and  canvassed  for  ten  miles  round. 

Thus  the  town  of  L.,  so  far  from  proving  a  place  of  summer 
retirement  and  repose,  had  been  suddenly  thrown  into  a  fer- 
ment, and  Mabel  and  Harry  found  themselves  in  the  very 
centre  of  a  whirl  and  excitement  of  their  own  creating. 

"  Why  need  I  go  down,  Aunt  Sabiah  ?  "  Mabel  would  say, 
when  morning  visitors  were  announced.  "They  do  not 
come  to  see  me,  and  it  is  so  pleasant  to  be  quiet  and  at  leisure 
in  the  country." 

"  Oh,  do  n't  call  i(  country,  dear,"  Sabiah  would  reply,  in  a 
deprecating  voice  ;  "  she  wo  n't  like  it,  —  besides,  you  must  go 
down.  Why,  they  have  called  on  purpose  to  see  you,  —  she  '11 
be  dreadfully  -put  out "  —  she,  with  Sabiah,  always  meaning 
her  sister  Margaret. 

In  a  moment  more  the  bustling,  flurried,  impatient  Mrs. 
Ridgway  would  put  her  head  inside  the  door,  exclaiming, 
"Make  haste,  Mabel.  0  child,  I  wish  you  had  on  your 
lilac  dress  !  It 's  the  So  and  So's  ;  do  hurry  down,  they  're 
such  pleasant  people,  —  been  so  attentive  to  me  since  Mr. 
Hidgway  died,"  and  Mabel,  dressing  her  face  in  the  smile  which 
masked  a  heavy  heart,  would  go  down  and  do  her  best  to  give 
satisfaction. 

As  for  Harry,  he  soon  found  his  level  in  this  new  sphere. 
There  is  a  freemasonry  among  fast  young  men,  and,  go  where 


MAR  ML    VA  COHAN.  273 

thoy  will,  they  speedily  find  their  compeers,  and  are  recognized 
in  their  turn.  Change  of  scene,  and  relief  from  the  embar- 
rassments he  had  woven  around  himself  in  New  York,  for  a 
time  checked  him  in  his  self-indulgent  course,  and  Mabel 
began  to  hope  that  her  never-ceasing  care  and  influence,  the 
restraints  of  her  aunt's  house,  and  interest  in  the  study  of  his 
profession,  would  prove  efficient  and  salutary  safeguards,  and 
finally  restore  him  to  himself.  It  happened  unfortunately, 
however,  that  a  neighboring  university  had  just  released  its 
students  for  a  summer  vacation,  and  among  the  idle  young 
men  thus  thrown  upon  the  community,  Harry  found  more  con- 
genial minds  than  those  which  were  embalmed  on  the  walls  of 
Judge  Paradox's  office.  The  dashing  city  blade,  whose  fast 
horses  were  the  admiration  of  the  neighborhood,  and  whose 
attractive  manners  and  generous  habits  won  him  universal 
popularity,  could  not  resist  the  temptation  to  forsake  the  musty 
study  of  the  law,  and  engage  in  those  excursions,  drives,  sport- 
ing and  fishing  parties,  which  would  have  been  harmless,  but 
for  the  loss  of  time  they  involved,  and  the  imprudence,  folly, 
and  extravagance  to  which  they  eventually  led. 

Whatever  good  resolutions  he  might  have  formed,  whatever 
efforts  at  self-control  he  might  have  made,  it  soon  became  evi- 
dent that  the  former  had  become  undermined  by  temptation, 
and  the  latter  had  proved  insufficient  to  resist  it.  With  aching 
heart,  Mabel  saw  her  short-lived  hopes  extinguished,  and  trem- 
bled more  than  ever  for  the  consequences  of  her  brother's 
reckless  and  wild  career.  She  had  but  two  rules  for  her  own 
conduct  regarding  him,  —  there  were  but  two  agents  which 
she  employed  for  his  salvation,  and  these  were  love  and  prayer. 
Not  by  word  or  look  did  she  censure  or  blame  him.  She  well 
knew  that  judgment  belongeth  unto  God,  and  can  only  be 
rashly  assumed  by  any, — least  of  all  by  a  sister.  But  she  un- 
derstood in  all  its  force  the  right  which  that  sweet  relationship 
implies,  and,  counselled  by  her  tender  affection  alone,  she 
patiently  strove  to  be  true  to  its  faithful  dictates. 

Not  less  gentle,  beneficent,  and  self-sacrificing,  were  these 
loving  counsels,  from  the  fact  that  they  had  their  source  in  the 


274  MABEL    VAUGTTAN. 

secret  depths  of  a  humble  and  contrite,  as  well  as  deceived, 
forsaken,  and  disappointed  heart.  Though  forbearing  to  re- 
proach her  brother,  bitterly  did  Mabel  now  reproach  herself 
for  the  many  wasted  and  misspent  hours  which  had  robbed  her 
of  his  society  and  confidence,  and  given  her  in  return  only 
blighted  hopes,  wasted  affections,  and  a  grieved  and  wounded 
spirit.  Shrink  from  it  as  she  might,  disown,  as  she  long  did, 
the  cruel  thought,  the  conviction  gradually  forced  itself  upon 
her,  that  her  heart  had  been  perseveringly  sought  to  be  lightly 
discarded,  that  it  had  garnered  up  its  treasures  in  one  who 
prized  not  the  gift,  and  that  the  friendship  which  to  her  had 
seemed  the  crowning  circumstance  of  life,  had  been  to  him 
but  a  winter's  pastime. 

Had  this  conjecture  still  admitted  of  a  doubt,  that  doubt- 
would  have  been  effectually  removed  by  a  letter  received  from 
Mrs.  Leroy  about  a  fortnight  after  Mabel's  arrival  in  L. 

It  was  dated  from  Trenton,  where  the  party,  after  spending 
four  weeks  in  travelling,  had  agreed  to  pass  a  few  days  before 
finally  separating.  After  giving  a  general  account  of  the 
journey,  Louise  added,  "  It  has  not  been  so  very  pleasant  after 
all,  —  there  has  been  so  much  disagreement  about  our  route, 
and  as  to  who  were  entitled  to  the  best  rooms  in  the  hotels. 
Fan  Broadhead  seemed  to  think  the  world  was  made  for  her. 
Mrs.  Vannecker  maneuvered,  as  she  always  does,  to  get  the 
best  of  everything,  and  I  stood  up  for  my  rights  now  and  then, 
for  I  had  no  idea  of  being  trampled  on  by  anybody.  Fan  and 
the  Colonel  quarrel  so,  it's  perfectly  scandalous  ;  and  Mrs. 
Earle  has  given  a  great  deal  of  trouble  too ;  —  she  has  been 
ill  ever  since  we  left  Niagara ;  and  my  boys  have  plagued  me 
to  death,  —  Cecilia  can  't  manage  them  at  all.  Nobody  has 
seemed  to  enjoy  it  much  but  Mr.  Dudley  and  a  Mrs.  Wolfe,  the 
English  widow  who  was  at  Fan's  wedding,  and  joined  her  and 
the  Colonel  on  the  trip.  She  is  young,  and  pretty,  and  sen- 
timental,—  talks  poetry  and  so  on,  and  Mr.  Dudley  is  per- 
fectly devoted  to  her.  They  take  moonlight  walks,  and  sit  on 
the  rocks  and  compose  sonnets.  It  is  a  regular  flirtation. 
Mr.  Earle  calls  her  Mr.  Dudley's  last.  I  can 't  see  what  he 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  275 

finds  to  fancy  in  her ;  she  makes  herself  very  disagreeable  to 
every  body  else.  I  shall  go  from  here  to  Newport,  and  advise 
you  to  join  me  there  ;  if  you  have  been  at  Aunt  Ridgway's  a 
fortnight,  you  must  need  change  of  air  and  scene.  I  made  her 
a  visit  once  when  I  was  a  little  girl,  and  I  never  shall  forget  it. 
I  haven't  heard  from  Mr.  Leroy  for  a  month.  I  suppose 
there  are  letters  for  me  in  New  York.  Tell  Harry  he  had 
better  come  to  Newport  and  bring  his  horses." 

Mabel  had  read  and  re-read  this  letter  some  half  dozen 
times  ;  had  thought  and  wept  over  its  contents,  and  it  still  lay 
open  on  her  lap,  when  her  solitude  was  broken  in  upon  by 
the  entrance  of  her  aunt  Sabiah  ;  it  was  one  of  her  trials  now, 
that  she  seldom  had  an  hour  which  she  could  enjoy  without 
interruption.  Sabiah  was  rarely  the  intruder,  however,  it 
being  usually  the  bustling  Mrs.  Ridgway,  who  robbed  her  of 
all  peace  and  quiet.  She  tried  to  look  a  welcome,  therefore, 
as  her  aunt  came  cautiously  in,  glanced  around,  and  then  care- 
fully shut  the  door  behind  her. 

"  Seems  to  me  I  would  go  to  the  party  to-night,  Mabel," 
said  she  in  a  subdued  voice,  as  if  she  believed  some  one  were 
listening  at  the  key-hole,  "  she 's  got  her  heart  so  set  on  it." 

"  Oh,  do  n't  ask  me  to  do  that,  aunt,"  replied  Mabel,  a  little 
impatiently,  rising  abruptly  from  her  seat,  and  thrusting  her 
letter  into  her  pocket.  "  I  can 't  go,  —  I  do  not  feel  like  it,  — 
I  'm  out  of  spirits.  Every  body  is  at  times,"  added  she,  as 
Sabiali  glanced  from  the  letter  to  her  face. 

"  Well,  I  dare  say  you  've  got  a  letter  from  Louise ;  no 
wonder  it  has  put  you  out  of  sorts  —  it  Avould  me.  But,  la ! 
you'd  feel  better  to  go  to  the  party  and  see  all  the  young 
people,  and  have  a  good  time.  She  did  n't  like  what  you  said 
yesterday  about  not  going." 

"  It  can  't  make  any  difference  to  her,"  said  Mabel.  "  She 
thinks  I  enjoy  these  things,  but  I  do  not  in  the  least,  Aunt.  I 
can't  bear  to  see  so  many  people.  She  does  not  go  to  such 
places  herself,  and  I  had  rather  stay  at  home  with  her  and 
you." 

"  Well,  but  you  see,  my  dear,  this  is  n't  a  common  occasion. 


276  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

Mrs.  Blooclgood,  who  gives  this  party,  is  wife  to  the  member 
of  Congress  from  this  district.  They  're  a  very  fine  family  — 
one  of  the  oldest  families  anywhere  round.  I  used  to  hear  of 
them  and  of  all  their  fine  doings  when  I  lived  at  home.  She 
never  knew  them  much  before  you  came,  and  she  counts  on 
your  going  and  making  a  fine  show  and  all  that.  'T  would  be 
a  pity  to  put  her  out ;  you  don't  know  how  set  she  is  about  a 
thing,  when  she  has  made  up  her  mind  to  it."  Sabiah  spoke 
rapidly,  urging  her  sister's  cause  as  if  it  had  been  her  own, 
and  betraying  at  the  same  time  her  dread  of  that  displeasure 
of  which  she  had  early  learned  to  stand  in  awe. 

Under  ordinary  circumstances  Mabel  would  have  felt  bound 
to  comply  with  the  wishes  of  either  of  her  aunts,  3ven  at  some 
sacrifice  to  herself;  but  her  present  state  of  mind  rendered  the 
thought  of  appearing  among  a  crowd  of  strangers  harrowing  in 
the  extreme ;  and  she  endeavored  to  parry  Sabiah's  arguments 
with  the  words,  "But  I  should  not  make  a  fine  show.  I 
could  n't  do  any  credit  to  myself  or  Aunt  Margaret  either  —  I 
do  not  feel  well  —  I  am  sad,  unhappy,  miserable." 

She  spoke  the  last  words  almost  at  random ;  but  Sabiah, 
putting  a  very  natural  interpretation  upon  them,  replied  in  a 
half  sympathizing,  half  expostulatory  tone,  "Well,  child,  I 
suppose  you  are  —  a  part  of  the  time,  at  least.  It 's  not  strange 
you  should  be.  No  doubt  you  are  worrying  about  Harry,  and 
thinking  he  has  come  here  to  run  the  same  rig  he  did  in  New 
York.  But,  la,  you  can't  help  the  matter,  and  it's  no  use  to 
think  any  thing  about  it.  He  won't  go  to  the  party,  you  may 
depend,  so  it  is  n't  worth  while  to  be  troubled  about  that.  It  is 
a  beautiful  ride  out  to  Mr.  Bloodgood's  place,  and  a  beautiful 
place  wrhen  you  get  there.  Mrs.  Paradox  just  sent  round  to 
invite  you  to  go  in  her  carriage,  and  you  can  send  back  word 
that  you  will,  and  so  it  will  be  all  settled,  and  you  '11  have  a 
nice  time,  and  Margaret  will  be  suited,  and  — " 

Sabiah's  enumeration  of  the  happy  results  of  Mabel's  com- 
pliance was  here  interrupted  by  the  loud  voice  of  Mrs.  Ridg- 
way,  calling  to  her  on  some  household  matter,  and  she  was 
compelled  to  hurry  away,  Mabel  saying  to  her  as  she  went,  "  I 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  277 

can  not  go,  Aunt  Sabiah ;  indeed,  I  can  not.  I  wish  you  would 
tell  Aunt  Margaret  so." 

Quite  a  new  turn  was  given  to  the  affair,  however,  when  at 
dinner  Harry  unexpectedly  declared  his  intention  of  accepting 
the  invitation. 

"That's  right,  Harry!"  cried  his  aunt  Margaret,  who,  hav- 
ing heard  him  express  his  contempt  for  parties  of  this  descrip- 
tion, had  scarcely  expected  he  would  be  prevailed  upon  to 
attend.  "  You  won't  be  the  loser  by  improving  your  acquaint- 
ance with  the  Bloodgoods,  I  '11  venture  to  say ;  there 's  nobody 
in  this  part  of  the  country  entertains  as  they  do." 

"  It  is  a  pleasant  drive  out  there,  at  any  rate,"  said  Harry, 
with  a  somewrhat  indifferent  air.  "  Every  body  seems  to  be 
going.  I  was  introduced  to  young  Bloodgood  at  the  Lake 
House,  this  morning,  where  I  went  fishing,  and  he 's  a  right  fine 
fellow.  He  urged  my  coming  to  his  father's  this  evening,  and 
I  told  him  I  would.  It  seems  there 's  a  young  man  in  town  — 
I  've  forgotten  his  name  —  some  one  that  has  visited  here  in 
college  vacations  and  is  very  popular  in  the  neighborhood,  — 
this  affair  is  got  up  on  his  account.  He 's  been  somewhere  at 
the  other  end  of  the  world,  and  is  to  start  again  to-morrow ; — 
just  here  to  have  a  peep  at  his  friends  and  then  be  off." 

"  Who  can  it  be  ?  "  exclaimed  Mrs.  Ridgway ;  "  Can 't  you 
remember  his  name,  Harry  ?  Did  you  say  he  was  a  relation 
of  the  family  ?  " 

But  Harry  could  tell  nothing  more ;  and  the  curiosity  and 
speculative  wonder  of  his  aunt  being  excited  to  the  utmost,  she 
now  rehearsed  the  Bloodgood  pedigree  in  all  its  branches, 
enumerating  the  ages  of  all  the  male  members,  and  endeavor- 
ing to  fix  upon  the  identical  individual  whom  the  family  wrere 
so  eager  to  honor.  The  fortune  and  merits  of  some  half  dozen 
having  been  fully  discussed,  and  each  in  turn  pronounced  the 
undoubted  object  of  so  much  attention,  she  at  length  arrived  at 
the  satisfactory  conclusion  that,  if  it  was  not  one  of  these,  it 
must  be  somebody  else  —  at  all  events,  somebody  of  wealth, 
family,  and  distinction.  "There,  Miss,  think  what  you  will 

24 


278  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

lose ! "  said  she  sharply,  turning  upon  Mabel,  whose  interest 
she  had  evidently  been  striving  to  awaken  all  the  while. 

Mabel,  who,  lost  in  a  reverie,  had  been  conscious  of  nothing 
beyond  Harry's  announcement  of  his  intentions,  looked  up  with 
an  absent  air,  and  when  he  immediately  added,  "  Why,  you 
mean  to  go,  do  n't  you,  May  ?  "  she  faltered  out,  "  Yes,  if  you 
will  take  me  with  you." 

"Ah,  ah  !"  exclaimed  her  aunt,  in  a  manner  at  once  taunt- 
ing and  self-gratulatory,  "  So  you  can  not  resist  this  hand- 
some young  stranger.  I  thought  that  was  all  that  was  wanting 
—  some  distinguished  guest  for  whom  it  was  worth  while  to 
put  on  your  best  smiles." 

With  only  a  dim  conception  of  her  aunt's  meaning,  but  will- 
ing that  her  change  of  purpose  should  be  attributed  to  any 
thing  rather  than  the  real  motive,  Mabel  allowed  the  remark 
to  pass  unchallenged,  and  even  submitted  patiently  to  a  succes- 
sion of  similar  petty  sarcasms,  which  were  coarse  rather  than 
ill-natured,  for  Mrs.  Ridgway  was  too  well  satisfied  with  the 
triumph  she  had  achieved  to  be  intentionally  severe.  She 
little  suspected,  meanwhile,  the  far  greater  triumph  Mabel  had 
gained  over  her  own  feelings  in  thus  consenting  to  accompany 
Harry,  for  whom  she  dreaded  some  less  desirable  companion- 
ship if  she  should  indulge  her  own  wishes  by  remaining  at 
home. 

u  Now  wear  something  handsome,"  was  the  eager  and  almost 
imperative  remark  with  which  poor  Mabel  was  assailed  a  few 
hours  later,  when,  seated  alone  in  her  room,  with  Louise's 
letter  once  more  in  her  hand,  she  had  for  the  moment  forgotten 
the  cruel  ordeal  in  store  for  her  that  evening.  "  Come,  let  me 
see  your  dresses;"  and,  without  ceremony,  her  pertinacious 
aunt  lifted  the  lid  of  a  travelling-box  which  contained  the 
richer  articles  of  her  wardrobe,  and  one  after  another  spread 
them  out  for  inspection. 

As  might  have  been  expected,  she  at  once  made  choice  of 
the  gayest  and  richest  ball-dress  among  them  all,  and  Mabel 
could  have  cried  with  vexation  at  the  persevering  energy  with 
which  she  insisted  upon  her  niece's  appearing  in  a  costume  as 


MABEL    VAUOIIAN.  279 

ill-suited  to  the  occasion  as  to  her  painfully  depressed  state  of 
mind.  A  compromise  was  at  length  effected,  by  which  an 
exquisite  flounced  muslin  was  substituted  for  the  gay  silken 
fabric ;  and  although  the  delicate  texture  of  the  former,  and 
its  choice  trimming  and  embroidery,  rendered  it  unsuitable  in 
Mabel's  eyes  for  a  six  miles'  drive,  she  was  thankful  to  have 
in  some  degree  overruled  her  aunt's  bad  taste,  and  to  be  allowed 
to  indulge  the  hope  that,  clothed  in  spotless  white,  she  should, 
at  least,  fail  to  be  conspicuous. 

It  was  a  proud  moment  for  Mrs.  Ridgway  when  Harry's 
little  phaeton  drove  to  the  door;  when  her  handsome  niece 
came  down  stairs,  attired  in  the  newest  fashion  —  though  she 
did  wish  she  had  put  on  a  gayer  sash  —  when  Harry  appeared 
with  such  beautiful  little  shirt-frills  as  she  had  no  idea  young 
gentlemen  wore  now-a-days;  when  she  accompanied  them  down 
to  the  gate,  to  tuck  in  Mabel's  dress  and  spread  a  shawl  across 
her  lap ;  when  Judge  Paradox  passed  by  at  the  moment  and 
bowed ;  when  the  neighbors  ran  to  the  window  to  see  the  young 
New  Yorkers  start ;  and  when,  finally,  the  intractable  mare, 
after  many  vain  attempts  to  get  away,  dashed  furiously  down 
the  street,  —  Sabiah  in  the  meantime  standing  in  the  doorway, 
vexing  her  poor  heart  lest  Mad  Sallie  should  break  Mabel's 
neck,  and  she  never  forgive  herself  for  having  persuaded  the 
dear  child  to  run  such  an  awful  risk. 


CHAPTER    XXV. 

The  ear  inclined  to  every  voice  of  grief, 

The  hand  that  oped  spontaneous  to  relief, 

The  heart,  whose  impulse  stay'd  not  for  the  mind 

To  freeze  to  doubt  what  charity  enjoin'd, 

But  sprang  to  man's  warm  instinct  for  mankind. 

NEW  TIM  ox. 

"  HAVE  you  seen  her,  Uncle  Bayard  ?  tell  me,  have  you  ? " 
eagerly  exclaimed  the  animated  sixteen-year-old  girl,  who  was 
seated  in  the  carriage  of  the  member  of  Congress  on  the  day 
when  Mrs.  Ridgway*  proclaimed  the  expected  arrival  of  her 
guests.  This  earnest  remark  was  addressed  to  a  tall  young 
man,  with  a  broad  forehead,  and  singularly  frank  and  noble 
countenance,  whom  the  little  fairy  had  joined,  on  the  evening" 
of  the  party  at  Mrs.  Bloodgood's  house,  and  playfully  caught 
by  the  arm  while  she  put  the  important  question. 

"  Seen  who  ?  "  asked  the  gentleman,  with  a  smile  which  be- 
trayed that  he  knew  very  well  whom  she  meant.  "  Seen 
who  ?  "  repeated  the  girl  with  a  mocking  air.  "  Oh,  now.  Uncle 
Bayard,  you  need  n't  pretend  ;  I  saw  you  watching  her  for  as 
much  as  five  minutes  ;  so  tell  me,  what  do  you  think  of  her  ?  " 

"  "What  ought  I  to  think  of  her  ?  come,  teach  me  my  lesson 
again,  puss,"  said  the  young  man,  evading  a  direct  reply. 

"  Ah !  you  need  n't  ask  me,  said  the  pretty  little  miss,  looking 
archly  up  into  his  face.  "  You  have  been  studying  at  the 
fountain  head  ;  I  saw  you  in  the  looking-glass,  and  you  never 
took  your  eyes  off  her  for  five,  —  yes,  for  ten  minutes." 

"  And  what  was  the  result  ?  Did  you  see  my  thoughts  re- 
flected in  the  mirror  too  ?  " 

"Yes,  —  pretty  clearly ;  you  thought  her  the  most  beauti- 
ful, elegant,  magnificent  creature  that  ever  you  beheld  in  your 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  281 

life;  —  if  you  didn't,  I'll  never  forgive  you.  Now  tell  me," 
continued  she  coaxingly.  "  is  n't  she  splendid?" 

"  Yes,  Bessie,  and  so  is  an  iceberg." 

"  Oh,  what  a  cruel,  wicked,  unjust  comparison !  "  exclaimed 
the  enthusiastic  Bessie,  resentfully  flinging  away  the  hand 
which  in  her  earnestness  she  had  a  moment  before  affection- 
ately clasped.  "  You  would  not  say  so  if  you  knew  her.  She 
is  as  pleasant  and  charming  as  she  is  beautiful." 

"  I  would  n't  know  her  on  any  account,"  persisted  the  pro- 
voking Bayard. 

"  Now  why  not  ? "  challenged  Bessie,  throwing  back  her 
head  with  a  defiant  air. 

"  I  should  be  afraid  of  a  chill,"  and  he  feigned  a  slight  shud- 
der, as  if  he  suddenly  felt  a  current  of  cold  air. 

"  It  is  enough  to  give  one  a  chill  to  hear  you  talk,"  retorted 
beauty's  champion,  with  spirit.  "  You  do  n't  deserve  to  get  ac- 
quainted with  her,  and  I  almost  hope  you  won't  have  a  chance. 
I  won't  introduce  you." 

"A  charitable  resolution,"  responded  her  youthful  uncle. 
I  cannot  conceive  of  a  greater  danger  than  being  brought  into 
collision  with  that  brilliant "  — 

"  Stop !  stop  !  don't  you  speak  that  word  again,"  cried  Bes- 
sie, trying  to  reach  his  lips  with  her  little  hand. 

The  tall  young  man  threw  back  his  head,  to  escape  this  check 
upon  his  freedom  of  speech,  and  laughingly  continued  —  "I  am 
ready  to  admire  her  to  your  heart's  content,  Bessie,  —  only  at  a 
distance,  mind." 

"  Fie,  uncle,  what  a  coward  !  " 

"True  enough,  little  Bess,  I  plead  guilty  to  the  charge," 
said  Bayard,  assuming  a  more  serious  tone  than  that  in  which 
the  dialogue  had  hitherto  been  conducted.  "  A  man  living  as 
I  do,  where  life  is  plain,  simple,  and  robbed  of  all  convention- 
alities, learns  to  love,  esteem,  and  reverence,  to  the  last  degree, 
a  warm-hearted,  true,  devoted  woman,  one  who  can  quite  forget 
herself  in  the  glow  of  her  zeal  for  another,  as  a  little  friend  of 
mine  has  done  to-night;  —  but,  Bessie,  if  I  read  her  face 

24* 


282  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

aright,  this  Miss  Vaughan  of  yours  is  cold,  proud,  and  self- 
confident.  I  confess  I  am  afraid  of  such  a  woman." 

"  0  uncle  !  her  smile  is  bewitching  and  her  manners  are  full 
of  warmth,"  exclaimed  Bessie. 

"  But  the  smile  seems  to  come  by  rule,  and  her  manners  are 
too  studied  to  be  attractive.  All  the  graces  in  the  world  will 
not  compensate  for  the  want  of  natural  cheerfulness  and  sim- 
ple"—  He  here  checked  himself  abruptly,  as  Bessie  put  up 
her  finger  in  a  warning  manner.  This  time  she  was  evidently 
in  earnest,  and  a  slight  rustling  movement  in  the  immediate 
vicinity  of  the  speaker  likewise  recommended  a  caution,  which 
had,  however,  come  too  late  to  save  the  embarrassment  which 
ensued. 

The  conversation  had  taken  place  in  Mrs.  Bloodgood's  libra- 
ry, which  chanced  to  be  vacated  at  the  moment  by  the  crowd 
of  visitors  which  thronged  the  hall  and  parlors,  and  the  parties 
engaged  in  it  had  been  quite  oblivious  of  the  fact,  that,  stand- 
ing as  they  did  close  to  the  open  folding-doors  which  led  thence 
into  one  of  the  drawing-rooms,  every  word  of  their  animated 
dispute  could  be  distinctly  heard  by  any  person  standing  on  the 
other  side  of  the  partition.  Weary  with  the  unsuccessful  effort 
to  rally  her  wounded  and  agitated  spirits,  Mabel  had  a  moment 
before  sought  refuge  in  a  recess  formed  by  a  projecting  mantel 
piece  and  the  partition  wall  of  the  library,  and,  while  ostensibly 
endeavoring  to  make  the  acquaintance  of  a  child  permitted  to 
sit  up  beyond  its  usual  bed-time,  she  was  striving  to  collect 
and  refresh  her  scattered  senses,  and  already  exhausted  powers. 
It  may  well  be  believed  that  she  was  but  little  aided  in  the 
effort  by  the  above  dialogue,  every  word  of  which  reached  her 
ears,  though  until  her  name  was  spoken  at  its  close,  she  had  no 
suspicion  to  whom  it  referred.  Like  a  hunted  deer,  which  in 
seeking  a  place  of  rest  only  finds  itself  the  subject  of  new  and 
painful  embarassments,  she  started,  and  without  looking  in  the 
direction  of  the  voices,  crossed  with  a  quick  step  to  the  other 
extremity  of  the  well-filled  room,  thus  putting  a  little  throng 
of  people  between  herself  and  the  unwary  speakers.  She  had 
recognized  Bessie's  lively  tunes,  but  those  of  her  uncle  were 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  283 

• 

unfamiliar ;  and  having  gained  the  shelter  of  the  crowd,  the 
impulse  was  irresistible  to  look  back  and  discover  who  it  might 
be  who  had  judged  her  with  so  much  severity.  She  had  crossed 
the  room  in  such  a  direction  that  she  would  have  been  enabled 
f.o  do  this,  had  Bayard  retained  his  former  position,  but  a  like 
impulse  had  led  him  to  step  within  the  archway  of  the  folding- 
doors;  and  as  she  timidly  lifted  her  face,  suffused  as  it  was  with 
a  deep  and  burning  blush,  she  met  the  clear,  blue,  honest  eye 
of  the  young  man  fixed  full  upon  her,  and  her  own  dropped 
again  instinctively,  while  her  agitation  visibly  increased  as  she 
thus  encountered  his  gaze  and  felt  that  her  quick  movement 
was  understood  and  appreciated. 

Had  his  good  heart  experienced  anything  but  pain  and  re- 
gret at  his  censorious  words  having  been  thus  overheard,  the 
latter  emotions  would  have  been  at  once  excited  by  the  patient, 
deprecating,  reproachful  glance  of  the  misjudged  and  sensitive 
girl.  There  was  no  proud  contempt,  no  haughty  defiance  in 
the  gentle  drooping  of  the  head,  the  painful  blush  which  over- 
spread her  cheeks  and  brow  on  thus  hearing  herself  condemned 
for  emotions  the  very  reverse  of  those  by  which  she  was  in 
reality  actuated ;  there  was  no  shade  of  anger  in  the  counte- 
nance which  expressed  hurt  and  wounded,  but  not  bitter  or 
resentful,  feelings. 

"  O  Uncle  Bayard,"  exclaimed  Bessie,  as  soon  as  she  could 
.recover  from  her  consternation,  "  she  has  heard  every  word  !  " 

"  She  must  have,"  said  Bayard,  in  a  tone  which  indicated  his 
regret. 

The  good-natured  Bessie  forbore  to  reproach  him,  though 
feeling  scarcely  less  grieved  than  Mabel  herself.  She  experi- 
enced a  partial  triumph,  however,  when  the  young  man,  after 
following  with  his  eyes  the  object  of  his  remarks,  and  watching 
the  quick  blood  mount  to  her  temples,  turned  to  his  little  niece 
and  said,  "  Bessie,  she  has  convinced  me,  where  you  have  failed. 
I  yield  the  point,  and  stand  convicted ;  she  is  not  an  iceberg." 

It  was  the.  concession  of  a  candid,  truth-loving  mind,  but 
Mabel,  unfortunately,  could  not  have  the  benefit  of  it,  and 
was  left,  as  many  have  been  under  like  circumstances,  to  the 


284  MABEL   VAUGHAN. 

• 

stinging  consciousness  that  a  burdened,  humiliated,  anxious 
heart,  while  seeking  to  hide  its  oppressive  secrets  from  the  un- 
sympathizing  eye  of  the  world,  too  frequently  lays  itself  open 
to  misconstruction  and  undeserved  reproach.  But  it  was  some 
consolation  to  believe,  that,  except  in  one  unguarded  moment, 
she  had  successfully  feigned  a  composure  which  she  did  not 
feel,  and  this  thought  once  more  restoring  her  to  apparent  calm- 
ness, she  continued  to  measure  out  her  words  and  smiles,  which 
Bayard,  with  no  little  discrimination,  had  discovered  to  be 
artificial  and  forced.  It  was  a  relief,  however,  when  music 
was  proposed,  and  all  save  the  performers  were  permitted  to 
relapse  into  silence. 

There  wrere  several  fine  voices  among  the  company,  and 
some  popular  glees  being  called  for,  Mabel  readily  consented 
to  preside  at  the  piano,  and  furnish  the  accompaniment,  a  diffi- 
cult accomplishment  for  one  who  does  not  take  part  in  the  sing- 
ing ;  but,  although  diffident  in  respect  to  her  vocal  powers,  she 
had  an  exquisite  ear  for  music,  and  this  had  always  at  school 
been  her  disinterested  province. 

Satisfied  with  an  office  which,  to  one  so  familiar  with  it, 
•  involved  little  more  than  a  mechanical  effort,  and  soothed  and 
cheered  by  the  sound  of  Harry's  fine  bass  voice,  which  she 
rejoiced  to  hear,  lending  depth  to  the  song,  she  played  a  long 
time  without  consciousness  of  fatigue,  and  finally  received,  with 
much  of  her  natural  sweetness  and  grace,  the  thanks  of  the 
group  who  were  assembled  around  the  piano.  She  still  occu- 
pied the  music-stool,  and  was  engaged  in  conversation  with  the 
senior  Mr.  Bloodgood,  who  stood  beside  her,  when  she  sud- 
denly became  conscious  that  some  one  was  waiting  to  take  her 
place  at  the  instrument,  and  looking  quickly  up,  she  recognized 
the  individual,  who,  a  little  while  ago,  had  made  her  the  sub- 
ject of  his  criticism. 

Perhaps,  as  she  promptly  vacated  the  place  and  withdrew 
outside  the  circle,  he  was  reminded  of  the  dread  he  had  ex- 
pressed of  her  vicinity.  If  so,  however,  it  must  Jiave  been  his 
conscience  rather  than  her  manner  which  so  reminded  him,  for 
she  returned  his  gentlemanly  acknowledgement  of  her  rising 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  285 

with  a  graceful  courtesy,  and  there  was  nothing  marked  or  rude 
in  her  quietly  retreating  to  a  distance. 

As  the  instrument  was  so  situated  that  the  performer  faced 
the  company,  and  she  dreaded  the  embarrassment  of  again 
meeting  his  eye,  she  purposely  strolled  through  the  back  parlor 
into  the  library,  leaning  on  the  arm  of  her  obliging  host,  who 
was  soon  after  summoned  away  by  a  servant.  Thus  left  alone 
among  strangers,  she  could  not  resist  listening  with  pleasure  to 
the  slow,  impressive,  and  beautiful  symphony  which  proceeded 
from  the  piano,  and  was  inwardly  commenting  on  the  taste  and 
skill  of  the  performer,  when  he  suddenly  commenced  singing  ; 
and,  as  a  lull  among  the  company  immediately  succeeded,  the 
rich,  mellow  notes  of  his  voice  fell  upon  her  ear,  the  effect 
seemingly  unmarred  by  distance. 

Never  before  had  Mabel  heard  such  music.  It  was  true  her 
enjoyment  of  the  art  had  been  limited,  but  a  far  wider  experi- 
ence might  well  have  failed  to  awaken  such  impressions  as 
those  which  were  inspired  by  the  strains  of  this  gifted  singer. 
His  voice,  of  great  natural  breadth  and  sweetness,  possessed, 
also,  the  advantage  of  the  highest  cultivation,  and  these  quali- 
ties were  enhanced  and  their  effect  heightened  in  no  slight 
degree  by  the  purity  of  his  enunciation  and  the  expressive 
power  and  pathos  which  he  imparted  to  the  words.  It  was 
eloquence  married  unto  harmony.  He  now  sang,  by  request, 
a  glorious  air  from  Rossini's  "  Stabat  Mater."  and  the  effect  of 
the  sublime  music  was  evident  in  the  hush  which  prevailed 
throughout  the  rooms,  and  the  strained  and  eager  attention  of 
those  even  who  were  not  ordinarily  susceptible  to  emotion  from 
a  similar  source.  Though  the  clear,  full  notes  penetrated 
through  all  the  lower  apartments  of  the  house,  Mabel  found 
herself  instinctively  drawn  in  the  direction  whence  they  pro- 
ceeded, as  if  to  make  sure  that  they  did  not  have  their  source 
in  some  illusion  of  the  senses,  and,  half  forgetting,  wholly  disre- 
garding her  previous  desire  to  avoid  the  presence  of  the  young 
stranger,  she  noiselessly  but  unhesitatingly  glided  through  the 
hall  and  stationed  herself  among  a  little  throng  of  listeners,  in 
•  the  doorway  opposite  the  piano.  She  had  not  dared  to  scan 


286  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

his  face  attentively  before ;  now  she  could  not  resist  doing  so, 
nor  could  she  fail  to  acknowledge  that  it  was  a  countenance 
worthy  of  the  inspired  song,  —  a  countenance  in  which  gentle- 
ness and  force  were  most  harmoniously  blended.  lie  might 
have  been  five  and  twenty  years  of  age,  though  the  freshness 
and  fairness  of  his  complexion  gave  him  a  more  youthful  ap- 
pearance, lie  wore  no  beard,  and  his  light,  wavy  hair  was 
tossed  back  in  some  careless  fashion,  revealing  a  finely  devel- 
oped and  intellectual  brow ;  his  full,  blue  eye  was  calm,  clear, 
and  truthful,  and  all  his  features  were  indicative  of  resolution 
and  energy.  His  unusual  heighth  and  breadth  of  figure,  his 
well  expanded  chest,  and  firm,  erect  position,  were  all  signifi- 
cant, moreover,  of  physical  power  and  endurance  ;  in  short,  his 
whole  appearance  might  be  pronounced  typical  of  those  ancient 
northern  races,  noted  both  for  beauty  and  hardihood.  In  proof 
of  this,  Mabel  was  forcibly  reminded  by  his  striking  exterior, 
of  a  picture  she  had  once  seen  representing  some  youthful 
Norsemen  of  the  times  of  Hengist  and  Horsa,  to  one  figure  in 
which  group  she  detected  in  him  a  marked  resemblance. 

It  added  not  a  little  to  the  effect  produced  by  his  music  that 
he  sang  with  no  apparent  effort,  and  seemed  quite  unconscious 
of  the  impression  produced  upon  his  audience,  while  the  half 
smile  upon  his  face  indicated  the  joyousness  with  which  he  thus 
gave  vent,  as  it  were,  to  the  natural  emotions  of  his  soul ;  and 
when  he  at  length  finished  and  rose  from  his  seat  amid  the 
breathless  silence  of  the  assembly,  there  was  not  the  slightest 
evidence  of  triumph  in  his  manner ;  but  receiving  without  affec- 
tation the  plaudits  of  those  in  his  neighborhood,  and  declining 
to  reseat  himself  at  the  instrument,  he  entered,  with  respectful 
earnestness,  into  conversation  with  Mrs.  Bloodgood's  father. 
The  latter,  an  extremely  elderly  gentleman,  appeared  to  be 
questioning  him  with  interest,  and  listening  with  attention  to 
his  animated  replies ;  while  the  youngest  child  of  the  household, 
who  had  leaned  against  him,  looking  up  in  his  face  while  he 
sang,  continued  in  the  same  trusting  attitude,  and  suffered  him 
to  toss  her  silken  curls  with  his  hand  ;  his  relation  to  both  being 
significant  of  his  rare  and  beautiful  character ;  for  noble  firm- 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  287 

ness  of  heart  and  will  was  in  him  so  united  with  gentle  and 
cheerful  benignity,  that  he  was  one  whom  old  men  might  rever- 
ence, and  little  children  love. 

Though  Mabel  might  be  excused  for  terming  the  neighbor- 
hood of  L.  a  country  district,  in  comparison  with  New  York, 
Mrs.  Ridgway  was  right  in  asserting  that  no  one  could  enter- 
tain company  more  elegantly  than  their  Member  of  Congress ; 
and  she  might  also  have  added,  with  truth,  that  no  city  could 
furnish  a  choicer  collection  of  guests  than  would  be  sure  to 
assemble  at  his  house.  All  the  most  cultivated  families  for 
ten  miles  around  were  represented,  men  of  political  note  were 
present  from  a  still  greater  distance,  and  pretty  girls  and  gay 
young  collegians  made  the  time  pass  merrily ;  while  no  pains 
were  spared  on  the  part  of  the  host  to  render  the  occasion  a 
memorable  one.  The  beautifully  decorated  supper-room  had 
been  thrown  open  from  the  commencement  of  the  evening ; 
and  from  the  moment  supper  was  announced  until  the  company 
left  the  house,  it  was  more  or  less  frequented.  During  the  lat- 
ter portion  of  the  time,  however,  it  was  almost  exclusively 
occupied  by  gentlemen,  who,  after  devoting  themselves  assidu- 
ously to  the  ladies  in  the  first  instance,  returned  thither  to  par- 
take of  the  second  course  of  hot  oysters,  and  drink  each  other's 
health  with  more  freedom  than  they  had  ventured  upon  in  the 
presence  of  their  mothers,  daughters,  and  wives.  It  was  with 
trembling  heart  that,  towards  the  close  of  the  evening,  Mabel 
lingered  near  the  door  of  this  room,  vainly  hoping  to  attract 
Harry's  attention  and,  under  the  plea  of  a  long  drive,  persuade 
him  to  return  home.  He  stood  directly  opposite  to  her,  but  the 
supper-table  was  between  them,  and  in  the  increasing  hilarity 
which  prevailed  she  found  it  impossible  to  catch  his  eye,  while 
every  moment  of  delay  rendered  it  more  doubtful  whether  he 
would  regard  a  sister's  summons.  Several  of  her  acquaint- 
ances passed  and  re-passed,  and  more  than  ouu  invited  her  to 
^ return  to  the  drawing-room;  but  she  persisted  in  declining, 
remarking  that  she  found  it  cooler  in  the  hall.  Now  and  then 
a  loud  peal  of  laughter  rang  through  her  ears  like  a  sudden 
pain,  while  the  rapid  uncorking  of  fresh  bottles  of  wine  caused 


288  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

a  nervous  shudder  to  agitate  her  whole  frame.  In  the  midst 
of  a  circle  of  thoughtless  young  men  stood  Harry,  —  no,  not 
Harry, — but  the  strange,  unnatural  being  that  Harry  became, 
when  no  longer  master  of  himself.  The  light  joke  was  passing 
from  lip  to  lip,  and  each  had  his  foaming  glass  raised  awaiting 
the  coming  toast,  when  Bayard,  approaching  with  a  quick  step 
from  the  drawing-room,  passed  Mabel  without  observing  her, 
and  stepping  to  the  table  took  from  it  a  tumbler  and  a  pitcher, 
which  proved  to  be  empty. 

"Ah,  Lewis!"  exclaimed  he,  to  a  man-servant  who  stood 
near,  and  whom  he  evidently  knewr,  "  there  is  no  wrater  here ; 
I  want  a  glass  of  water  for  Miss  Bessie." 

The  servant  took  the  pitcher  to  replenish  it,  and,  during  the 
instant  of  delay  which  ensued,  the  young  man  stood  gazing  at 
the  convivial  group  opposite  to  him,  with  a  serious,  contempla- 
tive face,  which  had  in  it,  however,  less  of  contempt  than 
anxiety  and  commiseration.  As  the  servant  presently  handed 
him  the  glass  of  water  and  he  started  to  leave  the  room,  he 
was  followed  by  two  or  three  of  the  noisiest  of  the  youths,  who, 
passing  through  the  door-way  at  the  same  moment  as  himself, 
were  heard  to  say  to  one  another,  u  Fred  has  bet  with  that  young 
New  York  chap,  as  to  which  will  drink  the  most  champagne, 
and  Bloodgood  is  to  stand  umpire.  Fred  has  beat  already ; 
New  York  is  making  a  fool  of  himself.  I  am  going  to  hand 
my  mother  into  her  carriage  and  then  come  back  and  see  the 
sport."  At  the  same  moment  the  voice  of  Harry  within  the 
room  boisterously  exclaimed,  —  "  Look  here,  waiter  !  bring  on 
some  more  wine." 

In  the  hurry  and  excitement  of  their  movements,  one  of  the 
reckless  youths  who  passed  through  the  door  at  the  same  mo- 
ment with  Bayard,  roughly  jostled  the  arm  of  the  latter,  causing 
a  large  proportion  of  the  water  which  he  carried  to  be  suddenly 
spilled  on  the  dress  and  arm  of  Mabel,  who  stood,  as  we  have 
said,  just  within  the  hall.  He  turned  quickly  to  apologize  for 
the  accident ;  but  the  words  died  on  his  lips  as  he  recognized 
her  and  observed  the  expression  of  her  countenance,  realizing 
as  he  did,  at  the  same  moment,  the  painfulness  of  her  situation. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  289 

Pier  face  was  deathly  pale,  her  colorless  lips  were  tightly  com- 
pressed, and  her  hand  nervously  clasped  the  railing  of  a  hat- 
tree  which  was  within  her  reach ;  while  the  intense  suffering 
which  was  written  on  her  features,  the  earnest,  pleading,  and 
half-bewildered  look  with  which  she  met  the  eye,  now  fired 
upon  her,  were  such  as  to  excite  the  tenderest  compassion  in 
her  behalf. 

Unconscious  as  was  this  silent  appeal  on  the  part  of  the  un- 
happy girl,  Bayard  was  not  the  man  to  be  insensible  to  it ;  and 
though  she  could  not  have  explained  the  reason,  she  took 
encouragement  from  his  answering  glance,  although  he  passed 
on  without  a  word,  without  even  an  apology  for  spattering  her 
hand  and  arm  with  cold  water ;  a  circumstance  for  which  she 
could  almost  have  thanked  him,  since  she  felt  as  if  it  had  saved 
her  from  fainting. 

A  moment  after,  and  the  brave  youth,  who  feared  neither 
censure  nor  ridicule  in  the  cause  of  truth  and  humanity,  had 
passed  through  the  parlor,  disposed  of  his  glass  of  water,  and 
returning  through  a  side  entrance,  stood  beside  his  friend 
Bloodgood,  in  the  spacious  china  closet,  adjoining  the  supper- 
room,  where  the  latter  had  been  superintending  the  unpacking 
of  a  new  supply  of  wine,  and  now  held  a  bottle  which  he  was 
preparing  to  uncork. 

u  Charlie  ! "  exclaimed  he,  laying  his  hand  on  the  shoulder 
of  his  friend. 

Young  Bloodgood  turned,  colored,  and  became  confused,  as 
he  met  the  calm,  reproachful  eye  of  Bayard,  and  answered 
with  some  embarrassment. 

"  Ah  !  Bayard,  —  you  here  ?    You  '11  find  a  glass  "  — 

"  No,  no,  Charlie,"  continued  Bayard,  "  you  know  that  is  not 
what  I  am  here  for."  "  Come,  added  he,  coaxingly,  "  you  have 
proved  your  hospitality  enough  to-night ;  let  Lewis  keep  this  out 
of  sight ;  it  is  the  greatest  kindness  you  can  do  those  fellows." 

u  Poh,  nonsense !  Bayard,"  replied  the  other ;  "  we  are 
bound  to  entertain  our  guests  "  — 

"But  not  to  shame  and  ruin  them.  This  plot  to  disgrace  a 
stranger  here  to-night  is  scandalous  and  ought  not  to  go  on." 

25 


290  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

"It's  a  plot  of  his  own  contriving,"  answered  Bloodgood, 
laughing.  "  If  a  man  will  make  a  buffoon  of  himself,  he  is  the 
best  judge  of  his  own  conduct  and  the  only  sufferer  by  it." 

"  Oh,  no,  Charlie,  you  are  mistaken,"  responded  Bayard, 
earnestly.  "  The  greatest  sufferer  is  that  noble  looking,  beau- 
tiful, unhappy  girl,  who  stands  in  the  doorway  with  a  heart 
bleeding  for  her  poor  brother.  I  will  not  see  her  proud  head 
brought  low  by  his  glaring  folly  and  misconduct ;  1  will  not 
look  on  and  not  lend  a  word  and  a  hand  to  save  her  from  mor- 
tification and  him  from  scorn." 

A  shout  of  merriment  from  the  next  room,  and  an  impatient 
cry  of  "  \VTiat  has  become  of  Bloodgood,"  now  caused  the 
well-intentioned,  but  somewhat  irresolute  youth  to  endeavor  to 
parry  his  friend's  arguments,  and  break  away  from  him  alto- 
gether, with  the  lightly-uttered  words,  "  Ah,  ha,  Bayard !  the 
girl  has  made  a  conquest  of  you,  I  see,  and  expects  you  to  run 
a  tilt  on  her  light-headed  brother's  account ;  but  you  cannot 
expect  to  make  such  a  Don  Quixote  of  me  —  a  man  is  not 
responsible  for  his  guests." 

"  Bloodgood,"  exclaimed  Bayard,  in  a  tone  which  had 
changed  from  simple  earnestness  to  that  of  a  just  and 
righteous  indignation,  —  "I  think  a  man  is,  to  a  great  de- 
gree, responsible  for  his  guests,  and  to  them.  It  is  folly  for 
you  to  talk  of  any  personal  interest  I  can  feel  in  either  Miss 
Yaughan  or  her  brother ;  I,  who  ha\  e  never  spoken  a  word 
to  either,  and  to-morrow  leave  this  j  art  of  the  country  for  as 
many  years,  perhaps,  as  have  passed  since  I  was  last  an 
inmate  of  your  father's  house.  But  one  is  a  woman,  and  as 
such  has  a  claim  on  your  tenderness,  and  the  other  is  a  fellow- 
man,  and  is  thus  entitled  to  your  sympathy.  Charlie,"  added 
he,  in  a  tone  at  once  affectionate  and  firm,  "  we  have  known 
each  other  from  boys,  have  passed  our  college  life  and  vaca- 
tions in  each  other's  company,  and  I  have  hoped  most  ear- 
nestly to  welcome  you  one  day  to  my  distant  home ;  but  you 
and  I  cannot  clasp  hands  in  friendship  to-night,  or  meet  as 
friends  in  years  to  come,  if  you  compel  me  to  believe  that 


MABEL    YA.UGHAN.  291 

you  can  be  indifferent  to  a  fellow  being's  reputation  and  his 
sister's  peace." 

The  young  man  thus  addressed  hung  down  his  head  for  a 
moment,  fumbled  with  the  cork-screw,  which  he  held  in  his 
hand,  then  threw  it  on  the  closet  shelf,  and,  with  a  candor 
which  did  him  infinite  credit,  caught  the  hand  of  Bayard  and 
shook  it  with  hearty  warmth,  exclaiming,  "  Bayard,  I  cannot 
afford  to  lose  your  friendship ;  it  has  been  the  greatest  bless- 
ing of  my  life ;  this  is  not  the  first  time  you  have  saved  me 
from  folly,  if  from  nothing  worse,"  and  energetically  kicking 
the  champagne  basket  underneath  the  shelf,  he  locked  his  arm 
in  that  of  his  friend,  and  they  entered  the  supper-room  toge- 
ther, when  Charlie,  following  Bayard's  example,  employed 
himself  with  ready  tact  in  dispersing  the  group  awaiting  him 
around  the  supper-table. 

*'  No,  no,  Fred,"  said  he,  shaking  his  head  emphatically, 
"  Vaughan  has  drank  enough,  — ••  it  is  too  bad.  Boone,  I  be- 
lieve your  sisters  are  wishing  to  say  good-night  to  my  mother. 
Lander,  will  you  come  into  the  library  and  see  the  picture  I 
have  had  taken  of  my  dog  ?  " 

Bayard,  in  the  meantime,  after  intimating  to  such  as  would 
be  likely  to  heed  the  suggestion,  that  the  young  ladies  in  the 
drawing-room  were  wondering  what  had  become  of  the  gentle- 
men, obtained  through  Bloodgood  an  introduction  to  Harry, 
and  gradually  contriving  to  withdraw  him  from  his  now  scat- 
tering circle  of  associates,  led  the  way  to  a  little  room  where 
coffee  was  served.  As  the  maniac,  or  the  wild  beast,  may 
frequently  be  calmed  and  subdued  by  the  power  of  a  fixed  eye 
and  a  resolute  will,  so  the  unfortunate  young  man,  dispossessed 
at  once  of  reason  and  self-government,  yielded  himself,  with- 
out resistance,  to  the  guidance  and  control  of  one  who,  by  a 
union  of  persuasion,  tact,  and  unyielding  purpose,  contrived  to 
gain  an  immediate  and  complete  mastery  over  his  bewildered 
and  excited  mind.  With  wandering  eye  and  unsteady  hand 
he  lifted  to  his  lips  the  cup  of  coffee,  which  Bayard  hoped 
might  in  some  degree  serve  as  a  restorative ;  and  then,  with  a 
strange  mingling  of  submission  and  free-will,  suffered  the  latter 


292  MABEL    VAUGIIAX. 

to  lock  his  arm  within  his,  and  conduct  him  through  a  low, 
open  casement,  leading  to  the  piazza  "which  ran  around  the 
house.  Once  only,  as  they  left  the  lighted  room  behind  them, 
and  stepped  out  into  the  cool  night-air,  Harry  manifested  some 
slight  uneasiness,  and  a  disposition  to  break  away  from  his  new 
acquaintance  ;  but  either  the  animated  conversation,  the  firm 
grasp,  or  the  determined  eye  of  Bayard,  restrained  him  from 
this  purpose  ;  for  it  was  abandoned  as  suddenly  as  formed,  and 
he  made  no  further  opposition  to  the  effectual  ascendancy  of 
superior  physical  and  mental  force. 

From  the  moment  when  Bayard  thus  came  to  the  rescue, 
until  that  Avhen  he  left  the  house  with  his  self-assumed  charge, 
he  was  followed  by  the  anxious  gaze  of  the  agitated  and 
trembling  Mabel.  She  watched  his  face,  his  motions,  under- 
stood his  generous  intentions  at  a  glance,  read  the  secret  of 
his  power,  witnessed  his  success,  and  at  length,  with  a  heart 
relieved  from  an  inexpressible  weight,  comforted  herself  with 
the  assurance,  that  come  what  might,  both  she  and  her  brother 
were  under  safe  and  certain  guardianship. 

It  was  comparatively  easy  now  to  rally  her  self-possession, 
to  converse  with  the  friends,  who  almost  at  the  same  moment 
claimed  her  attention ,  to  accompany  them  to  the  drawing- 
room,  and  once  more  resume  her  part  in  that  social  scene, 
which  to  all  but  her  seemed  replete  with  gaiety  and  pleasure. 
From  the  window  near  which  she  stood  she  could  distinguish 
two  tall  figures  walking  slowly  up  and  down  at  a  distance 
beneath  the  trees.  As  if  they  had  been  the  sentinels  stationed 
without  some  post  of  danger,  she  felt  herself  animated  with 
new  confidence  and  hope,  as  at  regular  intervals  they  passed 
and  repassed  within  her  sight.  So  long  as  they  continued 
thus  to  pace  the  grounds,  Harry  was  saved  from  further  ex- 
posure, and  herself  from  embarrassment  and  shame.  This 
knowledge  afforded  security  for  the  present  moment,  and 
beyond  that  she  dared  not  think. 

It  was  growing  late,  however.  Some  persons  who  lived  at 
a  distance  had  left  already,  and  there  was  a  murmur  among  the 
company,  such  as  usually  precedes  departure.  The  figures  of 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  29-3 

the  young  men  were  no  longer  discernible  in  the  dim  moon- 
light, and  Mabel  began  once  more  to  experience  a  painful 
uncertainty  and  dread,  which  reached  its  height,  when,  on 
looking  up,  she  saw  Bayard  standing  just  within  the  room, 
unaccompanied  by  Harry,  and  apparently  looking  about  him 
in  search  of  some  one.  Suddenly  he  caught  her  eye,  and 
instantly  crossing  the  room,  approached,  and  spoke  in  a  voice 
inaudible  to  any  one  but  herself. 

"  Miss  Vaughan,"  said  he,  as  if  certain  of  being  understood, 
"your  brother  is  engaged  in  giving  some  orders  about  his 
horse :  if  you  will  allow  me  the  honor,  I  shall  be  happy  to 
accompany  you  to  our  hostess,  and  afterwards  see  you  to  your 
carriage." 

Unhesitatingly,  and  without  a  word,  she  took  his  offered 
arm ;  in  some  mechanical  manner,  she  scarcely  knew  how,  said 
farewell  to  Mrs.  Bloodgood,  and  with  a  hurried  step  ran  up 
stairs  for  her  cloak.  He  awaited  her  in  the  hall  on  her  re- 
turn, but  so  hasty  had  been  her  preparations  for  the  drive, 
that  when  they  reached  the  door-step  the  carriage  was  not 
brought  up.  By  this  time  she  shook  and  trembled  violently  ; 
the  night  air  was  damp  and  chilly,  and  Bayard,  perceiving 
her  agitation  to  be  such  that  she  could  scarcely  stand,  proposed 
her  re-entering  the  house  for  a  few  moments. 

She  shook  her  head  to  express  her  unwillingness  to  return, 
but  did  not  speak ;  and  he,  seeing  that  she  trembled  more  and 
more,  unfolded  a  heavy  shawl  which  she  had  brought  down 
stairs  over  her  arm,  and  wrapped  it  around  her.  As  he  did 
so,  one  or  two  hot  tears  fell  upon  his  hand,  while  a  shiver  ran 
through  her  whole  frame,  which  was  not  the  effect  of  cold. 
Unwilling  to  leave  her,  and  yet  anxious  concerning  Harry, 
fearful,  too,  that  others  of  the  company  would  pour  out  upon 
the  door-steps,  he  begged  her  to  take  his  arm  again,  and  pro- 
posed that  they  should  walk  a  short  distance  in  the  direction 
of  the  stable,  to  learn  the  cause  of  the  delay. 

With  the  simple  confidence  of  a  child  she  did  as  he  requested, 
and  just  at  the  rear  of  the  house  they  encountered  Harry,  who, 
engaged  in  an  idle  dispute  with  a  groom  on  the  subject  of  his 


294  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

mare's  harness,  seemed  quite  unconscious  that  his  sister  was 
awaiting  his  movements.  Mad  Sallie,  meanwhile,  irritated  and 
unmanageable  beyond  her  wont,  was  starting  from  side  to  side 
and  now  and  then  plunging  furiously  forward. 

Bayard's  presence  and  prompt  interference  soon  restored 
harmony,  however.  Both  Harry  and  the  groom  were  ready 
to  submit  their  difference  to  him,  and  even  Mad  Sallie  was 
soothed  into  quietness  by  his  voice  and  hand,  as  he  spoke 
gently  to  her  and  stroked  her  mane  while  he  critically  examined 
every  point  of  the  harness.  "  Do  not  be  afraid,"  said  he  in  a 
low  voice  as  he  handed  Mabel  into  the  light  vehicle ;  "  I  am 
confident  you  will  reach  town  in  safety."  He  drew  back  as  he 
ceased  speaking,  for  Harry,  who  was  already  seated  in  the 
carriage,  had  taken  up  the  reins  and  now  incautiously  snapped 
his  whip.  Mad  Sallie  started,  reared,  plunged  forward,  then 
backed  for  a  pace  or  two,  and  finally  dashed  off  at  full  speed. 
The  groom  held  up  his  lantern  once  more  to  see  that  all  was 
right,  and  as  the  carriage  swept  rapidly  round  the  corner  of 
the  house,  the  glare  fell  full  on  the  face  of  Mabel,  who  had 
lifted  her  hitherto  bowed  head,  and  turned  to  bestow  a  parting 
glance  on  her  own  and  her  brother's  benefactor. 

How  much  of  grief  and  how  much  of  gratitude  may  be 
revealed  in  a  single  look !  Had  Bayard's  humane  and  gen- 
erous deed  involved  a  tenfold  effort,  and  demanded  a  tenfold 
sacrifice,  his  noble  heart  would  have  asked  no  higher  reward 
than  the  glow  of  deep,  fervent,  and  grateful  feeling  which 
flashed  out  from  that  pale,  tearful,  sorrow-struck  face,  turned 
towards  him  for  an  instant,  and  then  borne  away  into  the 
darkness. 

"  Only  by  bearing  each  other's  burdens  can  we  read  the 
secrets  of  each  other's  hearts,"  thought  he,  as  he  stood  listening 
until  the  carriage  had  passed  in  safety  through  the  gateway  at 
the  end  of  the  avenue.  "  How  strangely  did  I  misjudge  and 
wrong  that  suffering  girl." 

His  mental  recantation  was  interrupted  by  the  blunt  voice  of 
the  Irish  groom.  "  Go  it,  yer  young  rascal ;"  exclaimed  the  man, 
"  and  the  blessed  angel  beside  ye  be  the  savin'  o'  yer  bones". 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  205 

"  Bring  up  my  horse  as  quick  as  you  can,  Patrick,"  said 
Bayard,  turning  abruptly  to  the  fellow,  who  was  starting  in  the 
direction  of  the  stable. 

"  Sure,  Misther  Bayard,  ye  '11  not  be  afther  goin'  to  L 

to-night." 

"  Yes,  I  have  concluded  to  sleep  at  the  hotel  there ;  and, 
Patrick,  I  shall  be  much  obliged  to  you  if  you  will  bring  my 
luggage  over  in  the  morning  in  season  for  the  early  train.  I 
will  speak  to  Mr.  Charles  about  it,"  and  so  saying  he  hastened 
into  the  house. 

Mabel's  first  sensations  as  she  drove  down  the  avenue  arid 
gained  the  open  road,  were  those  only  of  indescribable  relief 
and  deliverance  from  dreaded  danger.  But  though  her  brother 
was  rescued  from  further  disgrace,  no  trifling  peril  of  a  far 
different  nature  awaited  them  both.  She  could  not  disguise 
from  herself  the  fact  that  Harry  was  incapable  of  managing 
his  spirited  steed  or  of  distinguishing  the  road,  the  intricacy  of 
which  she  well  remembered.  The  night  was  dark ;  there  was 
more  than  one  bridge  to  be  crossed,  while,  at  a  certain  point, 
their  way  wound  along  the  verge  of  a  precipitous  bank,  and 
was  protected  only  by  a  slender  railing.  Fortunately,  fur  the 
first  mile  or  two  the  road  was  wide  and  unencumbered,  so  that 
the  rapid  pace  at  which  they  started  was  maintained  for  awhile 
without  disaster  of  any  kind.  Then  Harry,  who  had  been 
boisterous  and  talkative,  relapsed  into  silence,  slackened  his 
reins,  and  suffered  the  mare  to  fall  into  a  walk.  They  pro- 
ceeded at  this  rate  for  some  little  distance,  and  were  just 
approaching  a  point  where  the  road  branched,  when  Harry's 
head  sank  upon  Mabel's  shoulder,  and  she  perceived  that  he 
had  fallen  asleep.  Tremblingly  she  caught  the  reins  as  they 
dropped  from  his  powerless  hands,  and  suffering  him  to  retain 
his  recumbent  posture,  assumed  for  the  first  time  and  under 
the  most  painful  circumstances,  the  responsible  office  that  had 
thus  devolved  upon  her. 

At  this  crisis,  she  heard  the  welcome  sound  of  horses'  hoofs, 
and  although  in  the  darkness  she  could  distinguish  nothing 
with  certainty,  she  soon  became  convinced  that  for  her  all 


296  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

danger  was  past.  A  horseman  soon  overtook  them,  and  then 
slackening  the  pace  at  which  he  rode,  silently  performed  for 
the  remainder  of  the  drive  the  combined  duties  of  protector, 
guide,  and  friend.  At  every  fork  in  the  road  he  led  the  way, 
and  Mad  Sallie  instinctively  followed.  At  every  point  of  dan- 
ger he  kept  perseveringly  at  the  animal's  side,  and  more  than 
once  Mabel  was  conscious  that  he  led  her  by  the  rein.  Now 
in  advance  and  now  in  the  rear,  sometimes  quite  obscured  in 
the  darkness,  and  again  dimly  discerned  as  he  loitered  on  the 
brow  of  a  hill,  but  always  near  enough  for  the  sound  of  his 
horse's  feet  to  be  distinctly  audible,  he  might  have  been  deemed 
an  accidental  traveller  on  the  road,  but  for  the  watchful  and 
efficient  care  which  he  exercised  over  his  voluntarily  assumed 
charge.  It  was  a  strange  situation  for  a  young  and  delicately- 
reared  girl; — supporting  with  one  arm  the  sleeping  form  of 
him  who  should  have  been  her  natural  protector,  grasping  with 
her  white-gloved  and  trembling  hand  the  reins  which  ordinarily 
she  would  not  have  dared  to  touch,  and  dependent  in  the  dark- 
ness of  midnight  and  the  solitude  of  the  lonely  road,  upon  the 
guardianship  of  a  stranger.  Such  was  the  confidence,  however, 
with  which  Bayard  had  inspired  her,  that  from  the  moment 
when  she  instinctively  realized  the  presence  of  one  whom  in 
the  obscurity  she  could  not  otherwise  recognize,  she  experienced 
an  undoubted  sense  of  security,  and  felt  the  force  of  his  pro- 
phetic assurance,  that  there  was  no  cause  for  fear.  Not  until 
they  gained  the  partially  lit  streets  of  the  town  did  he  fail  to 
keep  within  her  hearing.  As  they  rattled  over  the  pavements 
of  the  principal  thoroughfare,  however,  the  sound  of  his  horse's 
feet  in  the  rear  gradually  became  more  and  more  indistinct ; 
and  Mabel,  as  she  now  realized  her  position  more  fully  by  the 
light  of  the  street  lamps,  and  attempted  to  rouse  her  sleeping 
brother,  was  almost  tempted  to  believe  that  she  herself  had 
been  under  the  influence  of  a  strange,  wild  dream,  and  that 
their  fancied  outrider  was  merely  an  hallucination  of  the  senses. 
It  was  no  easy  task  to  arouse  Harry's  slumbering  faculties,  and 
even  after  they  had  reached  their  aunt's  door  in  safety,  Mabel 
hesitated  and  feared  to  alight,  lest  he  should  prove  incapable 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  207 

of  guiding  Mad  Sallie  to  her  stable  at  some  distance  down  the 
street. 

Trusting  partly  to  the  creature's  instinct,  and  encouraged  by 
some  signs  of  renewed  vivacity  and  intelligence  in  Harry,  who 
stretched  himself  energetically,  declared  it  was  a  deused  bore  to 
ride  so  far  at  night,  and  pettishly  shook  the  reins  which  he  had 
snatched  from  her  hand,  she  stepped,  unassisted  and  at  some 
risk  upon  the  sidewalk,  and  stood  watching  him  as  he  continued 
on  his  way.  At  this  moment  her  doubts,  if  such  actually  ex- 
isted, concerning  the  reality  of  their  midnight  escort  were  at 
once  dispersed,  for  as  she  lingered  anxiously  in  the  gate-way, 
looking  down  the  street,  he  rode  suddenly  past  her,  and  disap- 
peared in  the  direction  Harry  had  taken.  Nor  was  his  identity 
with  Bayard  any  less  evident,  when,  a  half-hour  later,  she 
cautiously  opened  the  door  of  her  aunt's  house  to  admit  her 
recreant  brother,  and,  as  he  staggered  in,  the  light  shone  full  on 
the  retreating  figure  of  one  who,  from  first  to  last,  had  proved 
himself  a  friend. 

It  mattered  not  to  Mabel  that  he  had  misunderstood  and 
falsely  interpreted  her  character.  On  the  contrary,  it  but  added 
to  the  heroism  of  his  conduct,  that  it  admitted  of  no  selfish 
construction,  that  it  was  as  disinterested  as  it  was  manly  and 
humane.  He  had  freely  expressed,  in  her  hearing,  his  unflat- 
tering opinion  of  herself,  and  of  Harry  he  might  almost  be- 
lieve the  worst,  and  yet  to  both  he  had  acted  a  Christian  part. 
Mabel  was  not  ungrateful  for  his  kindness  to  the  beauty  and 
the  belle,  the  general  admiration  of  whom  he  did  not  profess 
to  share,  but  it  was  not  for  this  that  she  most  fervently  thanked 
and  blessed  him.  It  was  for  the  benefit  conferred  on  Harry, 
and  through  him,  on  her.  It  was  because  he  alone  of  all  the 
world  had  lent  a  willing  and  a  helping  hand  to  her  sinking, 
sunken  brother. 

We  rejoice  and  triumph  when  the  world  bestows  its  homage 
and  its  smiles  upon  our  great,  our  noble,  and  our  virtuous  be- 
loved ;  but  the  deeper  fountains  of  the  heart  are  stirred  when 
a  hand  is  stretched  out  in  sympathy  and  in  aid  to  our  poor,  our 
fallen,  and  our  sinful  ones.  We  feel  that  the  honor  paid  to 


298  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

worth  is  a  sentiment  which  ennobles  humanity ;  but  the  voice 
that  whispers  of  hope  to  the  fallen  is  more  than  half  divine. 
Thus,  the  emotion  which  Bayard  had  awakened  in  Mabel  was 
that  of  reverent  gratitude,  and  was  treasured  in  after  years  as 
a  sacred  memory.  They  had  met,  as  it  were,  on  one  of  the 
cross  roads  of  life ;  she  dimly  comprehended  that  on  the  mor- 
row he  was  to  depart  into  some  unknown  but  distant  exile ;  she 
had  parted  from  him  without  a  word  of  acknowledgement  or  of 
thanks.  Still  she  felt  that  for  his  service  to  virtue  and  hu- 
manity he  would  never  go  unrewarded,  and  on  bended  knee, 
in  the  silence  of  the  night,  she  prayed  that  the  God  of  Heaven 
might  be  with  him  in  his  wanderings,  and  that  He  might  min- 
ister to  him  in  his  hour  of  need,  who  has  said  of  the  simplest 
deed  of  charity,  "  Inasmuch  as  ye  have  done  it  unto  one  of  the 
least  of  these  my  brethren,  ye  have  done  it  unto  me." 


CHAPTER    XXVI. 

Something  was  there,  that,  through  the  lingering  night, 
Outwatches  patiently  the  taper's  light ; 
Something  that  faints  not  through  the  day's  distress, 
That  fears  not  toil,  that  knows  not  weariness. 

MRS.  HEMANS. 

MRS.  RIDGWAY  was  very  indignant  the  next  morning,  when, 
in  reply  to  her  pointed  questions,  Mabel  assured  her  that  she 
had  not  been  introduced  to  the  distinguished  guest  of  Mrs. 
Bloodgood,  whom  she  supposed,  however,  to  be  a  Mr.  Bayard, 
such  an  individual  having  been  present.  So  much  was  the 
ambitious  aunt  piqued  at  this  neglect,  that  she  effectually  re- 
strained her  curiosity,  and  forbore  making  any  inquiries  of  her 
neighbors  concerning  the  stranger,  lest  she  should  be  compelled 
to  acknowledge  that  her  niece  had  not  made  his  acquaintance  ; 
and  thus,  much  to  Mabel's  relief,  he  was  not  again  referred  to 
in  her  presence. 

But  the  vexation  which  this  circumstance  occasioned  to  Mrs. 
Ridgway  was  slight  in  comparison  with  the  resentment  she  felt 
against  her  nephew,  when,  in  the  course  of  the  day,  she  heard 
from  Hannah,  her  cook, — who  had  it  from  Mrs.  Paradox's  par- 
lor girl,  who  had  it  from  Mr.  Bloodgood's  man,  Patrick, —  that 
"  the  young  New  York  chap,  who  was  a  stayin'  at  the  widder 
Ridgway's,  had  been  pretty  considerable  sprung,"  the  previous 
night,  and  "  must  have  got  back  to  town  by  a  miracle,  with  his 
dragon  of  a  baste." 

So  long  as  Harry  maintained  the  position  of  a  gentleman, 
and  was  courted  throughout  the  vicinity  as  a  foreign-bred  youth, 
of  wealth,  accomplishments,  and  spirit,  Mrs.  Ridgway,  prudent 
as  she  was  in  her  own  affairs,  cared  not  how  thoughtlessly  he 
idled  away  his  time,  or  how  recklessly  he  squandered  his 


300  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

father's  money.  The  moment,  however,  that  he  overstepped 
the  outermost  limits  of  that  decorum  which  society  enjoins, 
her  worldly-wise  sagacity  took  alarm ;  and  now  that  she  heard 
his  name  lightly  used  even  by  servants,  she  began  to  appre- 
hend that  instead  of  an  honor,  he  would  prove  a  cause  of  dis- 
credit and  disgrace  to  her  house.  She  was  not  one  to  be 
restrained  by  motives  of  delicacy  from  expressing,  in  Mabel's 
hearing,  her  contempt  and  disgust  at  what  she  termed  this 
scandalous  exposure,  nor  did  she  hesitate  to  acquaint  Harry, 
by  the  broadest  hints  and  inuendoes,  with  her  knowledge  of  the 
shameful  events  of  the  evening,  which  she  declared  to  be  com- 
mon talk,  and  against  which  she  inveighed  as  reflecting  not  only 
upon  the  delinquent,  but  upon  all  who  had  the  misfortune  to  be 
connected  with  him. 

Whatever  indifference  Harry  might  feel  or  feign  at  these 
home  thrusts  and  sarcasms  with  which  he  was  constantly 
assailed,  they  were  the  cause  of  the  most  poignant  suffering 
to  Mabel,  and  the  more  so  as  she  plainly  saw  that  although 
apparently  listened  to  by  Harry  in  dogged  unconcern,  they 
cooperated  with  other  circumstances  in  angering  and  driving 
him  to  desperation. 

Conscious  that  he  had  disgraced  himself  in  the  estimation  of 
the  respectable  portion  of  the  community,  feeling  it  little  less 
than  an  insult  to  the  venerable  Judge  Paradox  to  present  him- 
self in  the  office,  where  he  was  but  a  nominal  student,  and 
driven  from  his  aunt's  house  by  her  worse  than  useless  invec- 
tives, he  now  gave  himself  wholly  up  to  a  life  of  excitement, 
and  sought  only  those  associates  among  whom  he  was  sure  to 
find  a  ready  welcome.  Thus,  he  was  sometimes  absent  for 
days  together;  the  time  of  his  return  was  always  uncertain,  and 
although  his  departure  was  invariably  the  signal  for  Mrs.  Ridg- 
way  to  denounce  his  idle  and  reckless  habits,  the  ungracious 
reception  which  she  gave  him  after  every  absence,  was  little 
calculated  to  render  his  excursions  from  home  less  frequent  or 
protracted. 

The  rooms  which  he  had  expected  to  occupy  were  in  a  new 
building,  not  yet  completed.  The  work  might,  perhaps,  have 


MABEL    VAUCIIAN.  301 

been  hastened,  but  neither  he  nor  his  aunt  eared  to  press  the 
point,  for  it  was  now  generally  conceded  that  Harry's  residence 
in  L was  not  destined  to  be  permanent.  Nothing,  how- 
ever, had  been  heard  from  Mr.  Vaughan  with  reference  to  the 
probable  time  of  his  return,  and,  although  the  presence  of  his 
children  in  Mrs.  Ridgway's  house  was  fast  becoming  burden- 
some, there  seemed  no  other  alternative  than  for  them  to  remain 
there  for  the  present. 

"Do  go  to  bed,  child!  Dear  me,  you'll  make  yourself 
sick ! "  Aunt  Sabiah  would  anxiously  exclaim,  when  creeping 
cautiously  into  Mabel's  room  at  the  midnight  hour,  she  would 
find  the  faithful  sister  watching  at  the  window  for  her  brother's 
return. 

But  Mabel  would  gently  shake  her  head  in  reply  to  her 
aunt's  expostulations,  and  say,  "  O  no,  aunt ;  I  am  not  tired.  I 
could  not  sleep." 

"  There  is  n't  one  chance  in  ten  that  he  '11  come  home  to- 
night," Sabiah  would,  perhaps,  rejoin.  "  You  're  getting  pale 
and  miserable,  and  what 's  the  use,  after  all  ?  " 

"  I  feel  anxious,"  was  sure  to  be  the  answer.  "  He  '11  come 
soon,  I  think,"  and  with  a  few  persuasive  words,  Sabiah  would 
be  coaxed  back  to  bed,  and  Mabel  would  persist  in  her  lonely 
vigils. 

It  was  a  principle  with  Mrs.  Ridgway  that  her  doors  should 
be  locked  at  ten  o'clock  precisely,  —  a  rule  which  had  been 
occasionally  infringed  during  the  few  weeks  succeeding  the 
arrival  of  her  young  visitors,  but  which  had  been  rigidly  en- 
forced from  the  time  of  her  becoming  acquainted  with  Harry's 
irregularities.  Thus,  it  was  only  by  the  most  unwearied 
watchfulness  that  Mabel  could  ensure  her  brother's  ready  ad- 
mittance; and  who  shall  tell  how  often  the  wanderer  was 
beguiled  back  by  the  certainty  that,  come  at  what  hour  he 
might,  whether  of  the  night  or  day,  the  same  gentle  voice 
which  had  lamented  his  departure,  would  greet  him  at  his 
return,  and  the  same  sweet  face  which  had  anxiously  watched 
him  as  he/ went,  would  welcome  him  with  a  smile,  mournful, 
perhaps,  but  always  kind  ? 
26 


302  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

All  the  fatigues  and  dissipations  of  the  previous  winter  had 
not  so  weighed  upon  Mabel's  frame  and  exhausted  her  strength, 
as  did  these  prolonged  and  midnight  vigils,  when,  with  strain- 
ing eye  and  car,  she  thus  waited  and  hoped  and  prayed.  But 
though  the  color  was  each  day  fading  from  her  cheek,  and  her 
step  had  lost  its  elasticity,  she  gained,  in  these  lonely  commun- 
ings  with  God  and  her  own  heart,  a  power  which  is  horn  of 
endurance,  and  a  strength  which  comes  only  through  suffering. 
With  the  world  and  its  bewildering  sounds  shut  out,  and  the 
page  of  duty  open  before  her,  she  was  patiently  learning  that 
great  lesson  of  life  which  is  the  key  to  all  the  rest ;  and  in  hum- 
ble forgetfulness  of  self,  and  serene  reliance  on  Heavenly  aid, 
she  was  gradually  divining  that  precious  secret  which  had  ren- 
dered Rosy's  little  life  a  blessed  ministry. 

Her  willingness  both  to  do  and  to  suffer  was  soon  put  to  the 
very  test  of  which  she  had  long  had  a  foreshadowing  and 
presentiment.  She  was  sitting  one  moonlight  night  at  her 
accustomed  window,  which  commanded  a  view  of  the  street, 
and  with  her  tired  head  resting  on  her  hand,  was  listening  for 
the  familiar  sounds  which  betokened  Harry's  return,  when  she 
was  startled  by  a  vehicle,  which  was  none  of  his,  approaching 
her  aunt's  door,  and  the  strange,  hurried  voices,  significant 
motions  and  words  of  caution  and  alarm  which  succeeded, 
served  at  once  to  confirm  the  cruel  conviction  which  had  al- 
ready flashed  upon  her.  The  scene  was  precisely  such  as  her 
imagination  had  long  since  conjured  up.  Mad  Sallie  had  but 
executed  the  destructive  work  which  might  well  have  been 
anticipated  from  a  refractory  beast  driven  by  a  mad  man,  and 
Harry  was  brought  home  insensible,  perhaps  already  bereft  of 
life. 

"Don't  be  scared;  I  guess  he'll  come  to,"  said  a  rough  but 
kindly  voice,  as  Mabel  met,  at  the  door,  the  benevolent  farmer 
and  his  sturdy  sons,  when  bearing  in  their  heavy  burden. 

"  Oh,  he  is  dead  !  "  exclaimed  she,  in  a  hollow  whisper,  as 
she  fixed  her  eyes  with  a  rigid  stare  upon  her  brother's  ghastly 
countenance. 

"  No,  no,  not  a  bit  of  it ;  don't  you  believe  any  such  thing," 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  SOS 

said  the  countryman,  as  having  laid  the  helpless  form  of  the 
young  man  on  the  entry  sofa,  he  took  a  silk  handkerchief  from 
his  luit  and  wiped  his  heated  brow.  Then,  seeing  that  Ma!>«4 
stood  like  one  turned  to  stone,  •watching  his  face  as  if  to  read 
in  it  her  brother's  fate,  he  went  on  to  state  in  earnest  terms  his 
belief  that  the  young  fellow  was  only  stunned ;  that  he  had 
spoken  since  they  lifted  him  from  the  ground  ;  that  he  appeared 
to  have  no  broken  bones  ;  that  he  had  been  on  a  bit  of  spree 
and  was  pretty  well  corned; — no  offence  to  the  young  woman 
—  he  hoped  she  was  n't  a  near  relation  of  the  poor  dog  whose 
horse,  devil  of  a  beast  as  it  was,  seemed  to  have  the  most 
sense  of  the  two ;  "  never  you  mind,"  added  he,  in  a  truly 
fatherly  tone,  patting  with  his  rough  hand  the  head  of  Mabel, 
who  now  leaned  over  Harry's*prostrate  form,  listening  to  his 
feeble  but  regular  breathing  —  "  he 's  got  a  lesson  that 's  bet- 
ter'n  preachin', —  p'r'aps  Vll  be  the  savin'  on  him,  soul  and 
body." 

"  Bring  him  up  stairs,"  ejaculated  Mabel,  in  a  low,  implor- 
ing voice ;  her  subdued  tones  proving,  even  at  this  exciting 
moment,  the  force  of  that  habit  of  watchful  stillness  with 
which,  night  after  night,  she  had  evaded  her  aunt  Ridgway's 
hearing. 

The  precaution  was  unnecessary  now,  however.  The  house 
was  by  this  time  fully  aroused,  and  poor  Harry's  bearers  were 
met  on  the  staircase  by  its  bustling  and  voluble  mistress,  who, 
but  for  the  old  farmer's  obstinate  resistance,  would  have  com- 
pelled them  to  pause  then  and  there,  and  acquaint  her  with 
every  circumstance  of  the  accident,  before  they  were  suffered 
to  proceed  with  their  burden.  The  bustle  and  confusion  which 
ensued,  were  such  as  usually  attend  similar  events  in  a  house- 
hold, save  that  in  this  instance,  they  were  aggravated  by  the 
irritation  and  annoyance  which  succeeded  Mrs.  Ridgway's  first 
outburst  of  astonishment  and  alarm.  Her  earliest  impulse 
was,  as  we  have  said,  to  possess  herself  of  every  particular ; 
her  next,  to  rid  the  house  of  strangers  ;  and  her  last  thought 
seemed  to  be  of  the  poor  sufferer,  over  whom  Mabel  hung,  in 
an  agony  of  suspense,  while  Sabiah  wrung  her  hands,  groaned 


304  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

and  anxiously  asked  herself —  "  how  will  sister  Margaret  put 
up  with  this  new  trouble?"  Mabel,  though  the  most  afflicted, 
was  the  only  one  of  the  household  who  had  the  presence  of 
mind  to  send  for  a  physician  or  attempt  to  apply  restoratives  ; 
and  her  simple  efforts,  unavailing  as  they  were,  served  to  calm 
her  mind  and  render  her  capable  of  affording  that  assistance 
which  the  medical  man  required  on  his  arrival.  While  Sabiah 
gave  up  to  the  despair  which  had  taken  possession  of  her,  and 
while  Mrs.  Ridgway  examined  her  parlor  carpet  to  discover 
whether  it  had  been  stepped  on  by  dirty  feet,  and  looked  into 
the  kitchen  cupboards  to  make  sure  that  no  stragglers  had  taken 
advantage  of  the  confusion  to  conceal  themselves  there,  Mabel 
held  the  lamp  for  the  doctor,  furnished  him  with  bandages  and 
other  necessary  articles,  replied  to  all  his  questions,  and  re- 
ceived at  last  the  comforting  assurance  that,  except  some  severe 
bruises  and  a  slight  cut  on  the  back  of  the  head,  there  was  no 
perceptible  injury,  and  that  nothing  serious  need  be  appre- 
hended, unless  fever  supervened. 

"  Cannot  you  do  something  to  restore  him  to  consciousness?" 
she  anxiously  asked. 

The  doctor  shook  his  head.  "I  cannot  judge,"  said  he, 
"how  much  his  present  condition  is  to  be  attributed  to  the  acci- 
dent, and  how  much  to  previous  excitement  of  the  brain.  I  can 
tell  better  to-morrow." 

Morning,  however,  brought  no  change  for  the  better,  and  be- 
fore night  the  fever,  which  had  been  the  chief  cause  of  appre- 
hension, set  in.  Now  followed  days  and  weeks  of  continued 
nursing,  anxiety,  and  suspense,  during  which  Mabel  was  the 
constant  and  unwearied  attendant  at  the  bedside  of  her  brother. 
As  the  stupor,  in  which  he  had  lain  for  some  hours,  gave  place 
to  feverish  excitement,  he  manifested,  in  no  measured  terms, 
his  preference  for  his  sister's  presence  and  care ;  barely  toler- 
ating his  aunt  Sabiah,  and,  with  fierce  imprecations  and  threats, 
driving  Mrs.  Ridgway  from  the  room  whenever  she  ventured 
to  set  her  foot  within  the  door.  From  Mabel's  hand  only  would 
he  receive  the  cooling  draught,  and  to  her  alone  was  he  gentle 
and  submissive. 


MAHKL    VAUOJIAN.  305 

The  wild  words  of  delirium  would  die  upon  his  lips  as  his 
eye  met  her  loving  glance,  and  his  excited  gestures  would 
often  give  place  to  quiet  and  repose  when  he  felt  the  pres- 
sure of  her  soft  hand  on  his  burning  temples.  Sometimes,  as 
she  sat  patiently  by  his  side  through  the  long  watches  of  the 
night,  he  would  reveal  to  her  in  measured  whispers  the  confes- 
sion of  his  past  folly,  extravagance,  and  dissipation ;  gazing  into 
her  face  meanwhile  with  a  holy  awe,  as  if  he  believed  her  some 
angel  messenger  sent  thither  to  gather  up  the  burdensome 
secrets  which  lay  upon  his  conscience.  A  less  excited  imagi- 
nation, indeed,  might  almost  have  mistaken  her  for  an  appa- 
rition, as,  clothed  in  a  long  white  wrapper,  and  becoming  each 
day  more  pale  and  worn,  she  moved  noiselessly  about  the 
darkened  chamber,  anticipating  the  sufferer's  slightest  want, 
and  patiently  soothing  his  restlessness. 

Her  aunt  Margaret,  exasperated  by  the  abuse  with  which 
Harry  assailed  her,  washed  her  hands,  as  she  said,  of  all  re- 
sponsibility in  regard  to  him,  and  both  by  her  own  indignant 
and  unaccommodating  spirit,  and  by  the  strict  orders  which  she 
gave  her  servants,  contrived  to  double  Mabel's  cares  and  anxi- 
eties, and  impress  upon  her  a  most  painful  sense  of  the  difficul- 
ties which  sickness  made  in  a  household.  Poor  Sabiah,  divided 
between  love  for  Mabel  and  dread  of  her  sister's  anger,  hovered 
stealthily  in  the  vicinity  of  Harry's  room,  haunted  the  staircase 
and  passage-way,  and  patiently  strove  to  relieve  her  niece's 
weariness;  but  in  her  perturbed  state  of  feeling,  she  effected  but 
little  in  Mabel's  favor,  and  brought  down  on  her  own  head  a 
torrent  of  reproaches  from  Mrs.  Ridgway,  who,  having  no  other 
hearer,  took  every  opportunity  of  expressing  to  Sabiah  a  piece 
of  her  mind,  and  declaring  that  she  had  no  idea  of  being  im- 
posed upon  by  her  relations. 

But,  although  Mabel's  task  was  at  once  solitary  and  trying, 
it  had  its  alleviations.  It  was  far  better  to  see  Harry  lying 
there  in  his  helplessness,  than  to  picture  him  amid  scenes  of 
folly  and  vice;  and  in  the  gentle  ministries  of  affection  her  own 
bruised  and  wounded  spirit  found  a  healing  balm,  while  in  the 
hearts  of  both,  a  silent  influence  was  at  work  which  hallowed 

26* 


306  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

those  lonely  hours,  and  made  that  quiet  chamber  the  nursery 
of  blessed  and  immortal  fruits. 

It  was  about  three  weeks  after  the  accident,  and  at  the  dim 
hour  of  twilight,  when  Mabel,  believing  her  brother  to  have 
fallen  asleep,  threw  herself  on  her  knees  beside  him,  and  re- 
mained awhile  lost  in  meditation  and  prayer.  It  had  been  to 
her  a  day  of  no  ordinary  suspense.  The  doctor  pronounced 
his  patient  to  be  nearly  free  from  fever,  declared  that  the  crisjs 
was  past,  and  gave  her  encouragement  that  he  would  soon  be 
well.  This  assurance  had,  however,  failed  to  satisfy  her.  It 
was  true  that  Harry  now"  slept  quietly,  breathed  with  ease,  and 
took  submissively  the  nourishment  that  was  offered  him.  Still 
she  felt  that  there  was  something  about  him  unnatural  and 
strange.  Since  he  ceased  his  incoherent  ravings,  he  had  not 
been  heard  to  utter  a  syllable ;  and  although  she  was  conscious 
that  he  watched  her  continually,  he  made  no  reply  to  her  gentle 
inquiries,  and,  when  she  approached  him,  turned  away  his  head, 
closed  his  eyes,  and  remained  in  one  position  for  hours.  Could 
his  intellect  have  become  dimmed?  did  he  cherish  bitter 
thoughts  toward  her?  or  what  was  the  cloud  which  had  thus 
settled  upon  him  ? 

Exhausted  by  harrowing  doubts  and  fears,  she  had  rested  a 
long  time  with  her  face  shrouded  in  the  bed  clothes,  and  her 
soul  laid  bare  to  the  all-seeing  Father,  when  a  hand  was  gently 
laid  upon  her  head,  and  a  faint,  broken  voice,  murmured, 
"  Mabel."  She  looked  hastily  up,  and  met  the  earnest,  tearful 
gaze  of  Harry,  fixed  full  and  eagerly  upon  her.  The  tender 
glance,  and  penitent  tones  of  the  chastened  spirit  wem  not  to  be 
mistaken ;  he  stretched  out  both  his  feeble  arms,  and,  with  a 
cry  of  joy,  she  fell  upon  his  bosom,  and  they  wept  together. 
As  in  the  days  of  their  innocent  childhood,  when  nestled  on  one 
pillow,  they  had  mourned  over  their  little  griefs,  and  soothed 
each  other's  little  sorrows,  so  now,  with  cheek  pressed  to  cheek, 
every  shadow  of  past  estrangement  was  washed  away  in  a  soft 
rain  of  tears,  while  ninny  a  cherished  hope  for  the  future 
dawned  amid  that  refreshing  dew  of  sympathy.  Not  a  word 
was  spoken,  not  an  explanaiory  phrase  was  breathed  by  either; 


MABEL    VAUCHAN.  307 

—  nor  were  they  needed.  In  that  moment  of  the  heart's  recog- 
nition, that  outpouring  of  mutual  confidence  and  restored  affec- 
tion, Mabel  felt  herself  repaid  for  every  trial,  every  sacrifice, 
every  suffering.  She  had  watched,  and  waited,  and  hoped,  and 
prayed.  In  spite  of  weariness,  alienation,  disgrace,  and  sin, 
led  by  patience,  fortitude,  and  holy  love,  she  had  sought  and 
found  her  brother. 


CHAPTER    XXVII. 

From  the  sun's  might,  away  may  the  calm  planet  rove  ? 
How  easy,  then,  for  man  to  wander  from  God's  love  ! 
Yet  from  each  circle's  point  to  the  centre  lies  a  track ; 
And  there 's  a  way  to  God  from  furthest  error  back. 

RUCKERT. 

"  HARRY,  I  promised  to  give  you  these  as  soon  as  you  were 
well  enough.  Perhaps  you  will  feel  able  to  look  them  over 
to-day,"  said  Mabel,  and  she  put  a  little  bundle  of  papers  into 
her  brother's  hand  and  hastily  left  the  room. 

The  young  man,  pale  and  thin  from  the  effects  of  his  recent 
illness,  but  so  far  recovered  as  to  be  seated  in  an  arm-chair  at 
a  table  from  which  he  had  been  breakfasting,  unfolded  the 
papers  one  by  one,  examined  their  contents,  and,  with  an  air 
of  mingled  thoughtfulness  and  shame,  spread  them  out  before 
him.  They  were  bills  of  various  amounts,  including  many  con- 
tracted under  circumstances  of  which  he  had  no  recollection, 
and  nearly  all  of  a  nature  calculated  to  make  a  sober  man  blush 
at  his  own  folly  and  extravagance ;  long  accounts  at  a  neigh- 
boring hotel  for  dinners  and  suppers  shared  by  unworthy  and 
ungrateful  associates,  petty  debts  contracted  at  most  of  the 
places  of  resort  and  entertainment  for  a  dozen  miles  around, 
heavy  charges  at  stable-keeper's  and  blacksmiths,  and  an 
alarming  balance  in  favor  of  an  unprincipled  horse-jockey  with 
whom  he  had  had  frequent  dealings.  During  the  hour  that 
Mabel  purposely  continued  absent  from  the  room,  Harry  sat 
studying  these  written  records  of  his  own  disgrace,  anxiously 
calculating  the  extent  of  his  creditors'  demands,  and  revolving 
with  still  deeper  bitterness  the  far  heavier  account  which  lay 
upon  his  conscience. 

When  she  at  length  returned,  he  was  systematically  filing 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  309 

the  bills  and  noting  the  sum  of  each  on  a  slip  of  paper. 
"  Mabel,"  said  he,  looking  up  as  she  entered,  "  will  you  write  a 
note  for  me  to  young  Bloodgood  ?  My  hand  is  not  quite  steady 
yet,  and  I  want  to  ask  him  to  call  and  see  me  this  evening,  if 
convenient." 

Mabel  did  as  she  was  requested,  and  Charlie  responded  to 
the  summons  by  presenting  himself  at  an  early  hour.  Harry, 
who  had  not  yet  been  below  stairs,  received  him  in  his  own 
room;  and  so  earnest  and  prolonged  was  the  conversation 
between  them,  that  Mabel,  as  she  sat  in  the  adjoining  chamber, 
became  fearful  that  her  brother  would  be  over-fatigued,  and 
listened  impatiently  for  the  visitor's  departure.  "  Good  bye, 
Vaughan,"  he  was  at  length  heard  to  say,  as  he  left  the  room 
and  lingered  a  moment  in  the  passage-way.  "  I  will  see  you 
again  in  a  day  or  two.  There  will  be  no  trouble  in  disposing 
of  the  greys.  I  know  of  one  or  two  persons  who  would  take 
them  and  the  phaeton  off  your  hands  at  any  moment.  Mad 
Sallie  will  bring  a  better  price  perhaps  in  the  city,  but  do  n't 
give  yourself  any  uneasiness  about  the  business  —  I  '11  attend 
to  it  with  pleasure.  I  am  glad  to  find  you  so  much  better." 

Later  in  the  evening,  when  Mabel  was  sitting  beside  her 
brother  and  there  had  been  a  short  silence  between  them, 
Harry  exclaimed  in  a  tone  of  deep  and  mournful  feeling, 

"Mabel,  do  you  believe  in  such  a  thing  as  repentance?" 

"  O  Harry,"  she  promptly  replied,  "  what  hope  would  there 
be  for  any  of  us,  if  we  were  cut  off  from  that  blessed  refuge  ?  " 

"  But  I  do  not  mean  any  common  sorrow  for  a  common 
fault; — do  you  believe  in  a  repentance  broad  and  deep  enough 
to  cover  such  a  record  of  folly  as  that?" — and  he  pointed  to 
the  roll  of  bills  —  "or  to  wipe  out  such  a  sense  of  shame  and 
sin  as  is  written  here  ?  "  and  he  placed  his  hand  upon  his  heart. 

"  Do  not  doubt  it  for  a  moment,  dear  Harry,"  replied  Mabel, 
in  a  tone  of  affectionate  encouragement.  "  The  sin  which  we 
have  learned  to  hate  is  robbed  of  half  its  power,  and  the  soul 
is  never  so  strong  as  when  it  realizes  its  own  weakness. 

"  But  the  sting  of  memory ! "  exclaimed  Harry  with  bitter- 
ness ;  "  the  burning  sting !  Can  that  ever  be  rooted  out  ?  " 


310  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

"  It  may  become  the  spur  to  a  higher  virtue  than  we  ever 
dreamed  of  before.  0  Harry!"  she  continued,  her  voice 
half  choked  with  sobs  and  her  face  hid  upon  his  shoulder,  "  I 
know,  for  I  have  felt  it.  Nothing  has  ever  so  fortified  me 
against  my  own  weak  and  selfish  indulgence,  as  the  remorse 
and  penitence  with  which  I  now  look  back  upon  a  wasted, 
misspent,  and  dissipated  winter." 

"  You ! "  responded  Harry,  fondly  caressing  her,  for  she  was 
striving  in  vain  to  repress  her  tears  ;  "  dear  child !  What  do 
you  know  of  misspent  and  dissipated  time  ?  You  shame  me 
more  than  ever,  when  you  try  to  lighten  my  load  by  pretending 
to  share  it." 

"It  is  no  pretence,  Harry.  .1  can  never  forgive  myself  for 
being  so  faithless  to  a  plain  and  simple  duty.  We  had  such  a 
beautiful  home,  and  might  all  have  been  so  happy  together !  I 
might  have  done  so  much  to  make  it  pleasant  for  you  and  my 
father  and  aunt !  But  your  prophecy  of  me  was  true  —  I  was 
the  first  to  yield  to  temptation,  and  to  become  the  slave  of  my 
own  vanity  and  self-love.  Yes,  it  is  in  vain  to  deny  it  —  I 
was  not  the  daughter  and  sister  that  I  should  have  been." 

"  You  have  been  a  faithful  sister  to  me,  Mabel,"  said  Harry. 
"  If  you  had  a  fault  in  the  world,  it  was  because  your  nature 
was  so  open  to  impressions  that,  like  your  poor  brother,  you 
were  easily  led  captive ;  but  you  women  have  a  deeper  insight 
than  we  into  the  depths  of  human  character,  and  so  you  can 
stop  short  where  we  must  fall,  unless  some  gentle  hand  follows 
and  upholds  us."  What  a  confiding  look  he  gave  her  while  he 
spoke  the  last  words  —  proving  by  it  how  fully  he  realized 
that  she  was  the  staff  on  which  he  leaned. 

She  made  no  reply,  and  he  went  on.  "  There  was  a  time 
when  I  thought  that  the  same  plausible,  treacherous  mind  that 
had  brought  me  to  the  verge  of  ruin  and  there  left  me  to  stand 
or  fall  as  I  best  might,  was  striving  with  all  his  powers  to 
establish  an  influence  over  you.  I  thought  you  cherished  his 
opinions,  trusted  his  false  professions,  and  would  sacrifice  every 
other  friend  for  one  whom  all  must  acknowledge  to  be  the  most 
insinuating  of  men.  I  knew  my  interference  would  fail  to 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  oil 

open  your  eyes,  for  lie  was  the  chosen  companion  of  my  better 
days,  and  it  was  I  who  had  filled  your  ears  with  his  praises. 
The  self-willed,  ruined  dog  (for  so  I  once  heard  him  call  me) 
could  not  hope  to  establish  his  testimony  against  the  accom- 
plished, spotless  Dudley.  But  instinct  taught  you,  I  believe, 
to  repel  the  hypocrite,  and  something  better  than  instinct  bids 
you  cling  to  the  poor  dog,  who  is  at  least  sincere  when  he  tells 
you  how  much  he  loves  you." 

Mabel  clung  to  him  the  closer,  but  was  silent. 

"  Yes,"  continued  he,  with  forced  and  bitter  composure,  "  I 
have  no  right  to  blame  any  one  but  myself  for  my  fall ;  but  if 
there  is  one  man  more  than  another  who  is  in  any  degree 
responsible  for  it,  it  is  Lincoln  Dudley.  It  was  he  whose 
elegant  taste  for  play  first  led  me  to  the  gaming-table ;  whose 
systematic  self-indulgence  fostered  in  me  the  love  of  wine ; 
whose  professed  idleness  robbed  me  of  all  impulse  to  exertion, 
and  whose  sceptical  principles  made  me  question  the  very 
existence  of  virtue.  He  would  leave  the  gaming-house  with 
moderate  winnings,  while  I  had  staked  and  lost  every  thing ; 
he  would  coolly  drain  the  bottle,  one  glass  from  which  had  set 
my  hot  blood  to  boiling ;  and  when  at  last,  in  some  unguarded 
moment,  I  had  betrayed  my  weakness,  this  polished  favorite  of 
society  was  the  first  to  point  at  me  the  finger  of  scorn,  and 
drive  me  to  desperation  by  his  contemptuous  neglect.  I  de- 
served contempt,  but  not  from  him.  Nor  was  it  the  least  of 
my  torments  that,  while  turning  his  back  upon  me,  he  dared 
offer  his  unworthy  homage  to  the  person  I  loved  best  in  the 
world.  Thank  Heaven,  Mabel,  you  had  the  discernment  and 
the  strength  of  mind  which  are  needed  to  understand  and  cope 
with  such  a  man." 

"  O  Harry,"  exclaimed  Mabel,  making  an  effort  to  speak, 
only  as  she  felt  herself  called  upon  to  disclaim  this  tribute 
of  praise,  "  I  am  not  the  strong-minded  girl  you  think  me.  I 
did  not  question  his  sincerity.  I  believed  him  everything  that 
was  noble  and  true.  I  would  gladly  believe  him  so  still,  but 
I  cannot." 

The  tone  of  her  voice  betrayed  her ;  it  told  of  misplaced 


312  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

affection,  disappointed  trust,  and  weariness  of  spirit.  Harry 
put  his  arm  around  her,  drew  her  face  close  to  his,  and  whis- 
pered, "  You  gave  him  up  for  my  sake  ?  " 

"  I  could  not  find  it  in  my  heart  to  leave  you  alone,  Harry," 
was  her  simple  answer. 

"  Bless  your  loving  heart,  Mabel,"  responded  he,  kissing  her 
tenderly  ;  "  Dudley  and  I  are  alike  unworthy  of  it." 

This  conversation,  serving  as  it  did  to  throw  new  light  upon 
the  cold  and  artificial  character  of  Dudley,  had  at  the  same 
time  the  effect  of  sensibly  weakening  the  hold  which  he  still 
had  upon  Mabel's  interest  and  imagination.  Conscious  as  she 
was  of  his  duplicity  towards  herself,  she  was  still  more  deeply 
shocked  as  she  contemplated  the  faithlessness  of  his  once 
boasted  friendship  for  Harry, "and  she  henceforth  began  to 
realize  that  in  freeing  herself  from  the  influence  of  this  selfish 
and  worldly-wise  man,  she  had  secured  her  own  no  less  than 
her  brother's  welfare. 

It  was  one  morning  towards  the  end  of  August  when  Harry, 
who  had  now  wholly  recovered,  entered  his  aunt  Ridgway's 
sitting-room  with  a  New  York  paper  in  his  hand,  and  glancing 
over  the  items  of  intelligence,  read  them  aloud  for  the  benefit 
of  his  aunt  Sabiah  and  Mabel,  who  were  seated  there. 

"  Regatta  next  week  at  Cape  May  —  Disastrous  fire  in 
Canal  street  —  Splendid  fancy  ball  at  Newport,  —  the  beauti- 
ful Mrs.  Leroy  of  New  York  one  of  the  belles  of  the  even- 
ing." 

"  More  shame  for  her,"  muttered  Sabiah,  in  an  under  tone. 
"  Where 's  her  husband,  I  wonder  ?  " 

"  Shocking  railroad  accident,"  continued  Harry,  disregarding 
the  interruption  ;  "  nineteen  persons  killed  and  wounded." 

"  Oh,  dear,  how  common  those  things  are  becoming ! "  said 
Mabel.  "  Where  was  it,  Harry  ?  " 

"  Good  heavens ! "  exclaimed  the  latter,  making  no  reply  to 
the  question,  and  turning  suddenly  pale. 

"  What  is  the  matter  ?  "  cried  Mabel  in  alarm.  "  Did  the 
accident  happen  at  the  West  ?  Father  "  — 


MABEL  J^AUGHAN.  313 

"  Father  is  safe,"  said  Harry,  at  once  relieving  her  fears,  — 
«  but  Mr.  Leroy  "  — 

"  Is  killed  ? "  gasped  Mabel,  with  a  countenance  full  of 
dread,  while  Sabiah  laid  down  h«.  work  and  stared  at  Harry 
with  strained  and  horror-stricken  features. 

Harry  answered  by  covering  his  face  with  one  hand  and 
passing  Mabel  the  paper,  with  his  thumb  on  the  following 
paragraph :  — 

"  We  regret  to  learn  that  our  esteemed  fellow-citizen,  Alex- 
ander Leroy,  Esq.,  was  among  the  victims  of  this  fatal  catas- 
trophe. Mr.  John  Vaughan,  a  well-known  and  highly  respected 
merchant  of  our  city,  was  also  a  passenger  on  board  the  train, 
and,  at  the  moment  of  the  accident,  occupied  the  same  seat  with 
his  son-in-law,  Mr.  Leroy ;  but  the  former  providentially 
escaped  with  only  a  few  bruises,  while  the  latter  was  instantly 
killed." 

Mabel  ran  her  eye  hastily  over  this  account,  and,  as  she 
read  the  partial  confirmation  of  her  fear,  uttered  a  low  cry, 
and  handed  the  paper  to  her  Aunt  Sabiah.  Not  a  word  was 
spoken  for  some  minutes, — all  seemed  struck  dumb  by  the 
sudden  and  awful  nature  of  the  shock,  and  solemn  thoughts 
chased  each  other  through  the  minds  of  each. 

Thanksgiving  for  her  father's  deliverance  was  mingled  in 
Mabel's  mind  with  horror  and  grief  at  the  sudden  death  of 
Mr.  Leroy ;  and  in  spite  of  her  sister's  cold-hearted  frivolity, 
she  shuddered  as  she  thought  of  the  heavy  blow  which  awaited, 
if  it  had  not  already  reached,  her.  Perhaps  Harry  experienced 
the  same  train  of  thought,  for  he  at  length  broke  the  silence 
by  the  abrupt  inquiry,  "  Mabel,  where  is  Louise  ?  " 

"  I  do  not  know,"  replied  Mabel ;  "  I  wish  I  did,  so  that  I 
might  go  to  her." 

"  She  is  not  at  Newport,  then  ?  " 

"No.  She  was  to  give  up  her  rooms  the  day  after  the 
ball,  and  either  visit  the  Earles  at  West  Point,  or  go  to  Cape 
May  with  Mrs.  Vannecker,  —  it  was  quite  undecided  when 
she  wrote  last." 

"  You  will  slay  here  then,  I  suppose,  until  you  hear  from 

27 


314  MABEL    YAtJGIIAN. 

her,"  said  he ;  "  but  I  think  I  had  better  go  immediately  to 
father." 

"Yes,  do,  Harry,"  replied  Mabel  eagerly;  "he  may  b. 
more  hurt  than  we  suppose ;  at  all  events,  he  will  need  you. 
Oh,  how  I  wish  we  could  learn  the  particulars,  and  be  sure  of 
his  safety." 

Mrs.  Ridgway  at  this  moment  entered  the  room,  and  seeing 
the  unusual  agitation  which  was  written  in  every  countenance 
exclaimed  with  her  wonted  abruptness,  "  "Well,  what 's  to  pay 
here  ?  Sabiah,  what 's  given  you  such  a  long  face  ?  " 

Sabiah  gravely  communicated  the  intelligence  to  her. 

"  Upon  my  word,"  cried  she,  "  brother  John  has  had  a  nar- 
row escape.  And  so  that  gad-about  of  a  Louise  is  left  a 
widow,  is  she?  Well,  I  daresay  she  has  not  found  it  out 
herself  yet.  The  blow  that  reaches  her  has  got  to  strike  her 
on  the  wing." 

No  one,  not  even  Sabiah,  felt  disposed  at  this  moment  to 
echo  Mrs.  Ridgway's  remark,  while  the  roughness  of  her 
words  and  manner  grated  so  painfully  upon  Mabel's  over- 
charged feelings,  and  she  hastened  to  her  own  room  to  give 
vent  to  the  emotions  which  she  could  no  longer  control. 

An  hour  or  two  afterwards  she  was  joined  by  Harry.  He 
had  made  some  inquiries  concerning  the  route  which  it  would 
be  advisable  for  him  to  take,  in  order  to  reach  the  distant 
scene  of  the  accident  in  the  shortest  possible  time,  and  had 
decided  that  it  would  be  best  to  start  that  evening.  Mabel 
could  not  but  perceive,  even  at  this  agitating  season,  that  he 
seemed  inspired  with  new  energy,  by  the  sudden  necessity  for 
exerting  himself  in  other's  behalf;  nor  could  she  help  hoping; 
that  in  the  breaking  up  of  evil  associations,  and  the  escape 
from  the  scene  of  his  recent  mortification,  he  would  gain  new 
strength  for  carrying  out  his  earnest  and  manly  purpose  of 
reformation. 

By  the  judicious  management  of  young  Bloodgood  in  the 
sale  of  Harry's  horses  and  their  expensive  equipment,  a  suffi- 
cient sum  had  been  raised  to  defray  his  numerous  debts. 
There  was  but  little  remaining,  however,  and  he  was  obliged 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  315 

to  bog  assistance  from  Mabel's  purse,  to  furnish  him  with  funds 
for  the  journey.  Proud  of  the  promptness  with  which  he  had 
rendered  justice  to  his  creditors,  and  feeling  this  expedition  to 
be  one  in  which  they  had  a  common  interest,  Mabel  would 
gladly  have  transferred  to  him  every  cent  of  her  ample  supply 
of  pocket  money.  But  he  would  receive  only  what  his  actual 
expenses  demanded,  forcing  back  the  rest  into  her  hand,  and 
saying,  "  You  forget  how  much  you  may  need  it  yourself." 

It  had  been  agreed  that  Mabel  should  write  to  Louise  at 
both  the  points  where  a  letter  might  possibly  reach  her,  and 
that,  until  she  had  some  certain  knowledge  of  her  sister's 
plans,  she  should  remain  at  L.,  to  which  place  Plarry's  letters 
should  be  directed,  whenever  he  had  anything  to  communi- 
cate. 

Two  days  after  her  brother's  departure,  Mabel's  suspense 
was  to  some  degree  relieved  by  a  few  hasty  lines  from  her 
father,  dated  from  a  Western  post-town,  and  simply  confirming 
the  fact  of  Mr.  Leroy's  death,  and  his  own  safety. 

The  next  mail,  also,  brought  tidings  from  Louise.  Mrs. 
Vannecker  wrote  from  Cape  May,  stating  that  Mrs.  Leroy  had 
accompanied  her  thither  the  preceding  week,  and  had  learned 
the  terrible  news  the  day  after  her  arrival. 

"  She  bears  the  stroke  with  more  composure  than  I  had  ex- 
pected," added  Mrs.  Vannecker.  "  At  times  she  is  excited  and 
hysterical,  but  for  the  most  part  she  is  tolerably  cheerful,  and 
allows  herself  to  be  comforted  and  consoled  by  the  attention 
and  sympathy  which  she  receives  from  every  one  in  the  hotel. 
Alick  seems  to  feel  his  father's  death,  but  Murray,  poor  child, 
is  too  young,  I  suppose,  to  realize  the  loss.  Louise  is  now 
asleep  on  a  couch  in  my  room.  When  she  awakes,  she  will 
add  a  postscript  in  reply  to  your  sweet,  affectionate  letter  which 
was  received  last  evening." 

Mrs.  Leroy's  postscript  consisted  of  a  strange  medley  of 
self-compassionating  and  congratulatory  phrases,  the  former, 
that  she  had  experienced  such  a  cruel  shock  to  her  nerves,  and 
lost  such  a  kind,  indulgent  husband ;  the  latter,  that  she  had 
foreseen  this  or  some  similar  catastrophe,  and  had  wisely 
refused  to  accompany  Mr.  Lcroy  into  that  shocking  Western 


316  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

wilderness.  The  only  really  coherent  passage  was  that  in  which 
she  deprecated  the  idea  of  her  sister's  coming  to  Cape  May 
where  the  house  was  so  crowded,  on  account  of  the  approaching 
regatta,  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  obtain  any  accommodation. 
She  expected  to  return  to  New  York  in  the  course  of  a  week 
or  two  ;  should  be  glad  to  have  Mabel  meet  her  there,  and 
would  write  again  to  let  her  know  when  she  should  leave  the 
sea-side. 

The  next  ten  days  were  wear}-  ones  to  Mabel.  She  seemed 
to  be  oppressed  by  a  fever  of  the  spirits,  and  to  be  weighed 
down  by  some  haunting  fear.  She  found  it  impossible  to  rally 
her  cheerfulness  notwithstanding  Mrs.  Ridgway's  declaration 
that  it  was  nonsense  to  pretend  she  was  so  much  overcome  by 
the  death  of  Mr.  Leroy,  who  could  have  been  little  more  than  a 
stranger  to  her.  The  violence  of  the  shock  she  had  received, 
a  not  unreasonable  anxiety  concerning  her  father,  and  a  painful 
sense  of  the  impropriety  of  her  sister's  situation  at  a  public 
watering-place,  all  acting  as  they  did  on  a  system  weakened 
by  protracted  labors  in  a  sick-room,  might  well  account  for 
this  seemingly  unnatural  depression.  But  so  heavy  was  the 
cloud  which  hung  over  her  mind  during  this  interval,  that 
Mabel  was  afterwards  tempted  to  believe  it  a  foreshadowing  of 
the  calamities  about  to  ensue. 

A  letter,  at  length,  arrived  from  Harry,  and  with  it  an  awk- 
ward, square-shaped  epistle,  directed  in  a  strange,  unsteady 
hand,  and  post-marked  New  York.  In  her  eagerness  to  learn 
the  contents  of  the  former,  Mabel  threw  the  latter  aside,  while 
she  perused  her  brother's  communication.  It  ran  as  follows  : 

"  DEAREST  MAT  : — After  three  days  and  nights  of  constant 
travelling,  I  arrived  at  the  miserable  town  from  which  father 
wrote  to  you,  arid  found  him  wretchedly  accommodated  in  a 
mere  barn  of  a  place,  every  tolerable  room  in  the  tavern,  and 
every  spare  corner  in  the  few  private  houses,  having  been 
appropriated  to  those  of  the  passengers  who  were  more  seri- 
ously injured.  Fathers  escape  seems  almost  miraculous,  as 
he  was  in  the  front  car,  which  rolled  over  twice  as  it  fell  down 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  317 

the  embankment.  He  lias  suffered  considerably  from  a  bruise 
on  his  back,  and  a  sprain  in  the  ancle,  which  made  him  quite 
helpless  for  a  few  days.  He  has,  also,  had  an  uncomfortable 
sensation  of  dizziness  in  the  head,  but  that  is  merely  the  natural 
effect  of  the  jar,  and  has  already  begun  to  subside.  Do  not  be 
anxious  about  him,  for  I  flatter  myself  I  make  a  capital  doctor, 
nurse,  cook,  and  housekeeper,  all  of  which  offices  have  devolved 
upon  me. 

"  As  soon  as  he  could  be  moved  without  pain,  we  came  to 
the  farm-house,  situated  on  father's  property,  where  he  and  Mr. 
Leroy  have  had  a  temporary  residence  this  summer.  It  may 
truly  be  termed  a  lodge  in  the  vast  wilderness,  for  though  situ- 
ated on  a  street  of  imposing  breadth,  in  the  heart  of  an  exten- 
sive township,  the  place  is  literally  a  city  in  prospective,  a  few 
straggling  houses  constituting  the  village,  while  a  wide,  rolling 
orairie  stretches  from  the  rear  of  our  habitation  to  the  verge  of 
Jie  horizon.  The  situation,  however,  is  at  once  grand  and 
picturesque  ;  for  on  the  western  side  we  overlook  a  beautiful, 
A'inding  river,  whose  well-wooded  banks  form  a  refreshing  belt 
of  shade,  and  in  the  grove,  which  is  but  a  short  walk  from 
•he  house,  we  have  buried  poor  Leroy.  You  would  be  amused 
with  our  house-keeping.  The  man  who  has  had  charge  of  the 
r^lace  is  unmarried,  and  we  keep  a  complete  bachelor's  hall. 
The  house,  however,  is  convenient,  and  has  been  tolerably  well 
fitted  up  during  the  summer  campaign,  so  that,  although  we 
are  not  luxuriously  accommodated,  we  are  very  comfortable  ; 
as  much  so,  at  least,  as  men  can  be  independent  of  woman's 
genius  and  aid.  I  tell  you  this  because  we  shall  probably 
remain  some  time  in  our  present  quarters,  and  you  will  be 
desirous  to  know  how  we  are  situated. 

"  Father's  affairs,  which  were  somewhat  involved,  are  ren- 
dered more  so  by  Mr.  Leroy 's  sudden  death.  I  find  I  can  be  of 
essential  service,  especially  as  an  amanuensis,  and  shall  not  think 
of  leaving  him  until  his  business  is  settled.  He  seems  to  take 
it  for  granted  that  you  will  continue  in  L.  for  the  present, 
and  that  Louise  will  remain  at  the  sea-side,  or  go  to  some 
quiet  boarding-place  in  the  country.  If  we  should  be  detained 

27* 


318  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

here  into  the  winter,  however,  winch  I  have  little  doubt  will  be 
the  case,  he  will  probably  suggest  some  other  plan.  At  pres- 
ent he  is  too  weak,  and  too  much  harassed  by  perplexities,  to 
decide  upon  anything  more  than  a  temporary  arrangement. 
I  cannot  bear  to  think,  dear  May,  of  your  being  subjected  any 
longe-r  to  Aunt  Ridgway's  over-bearing  temper  and  restrictions. 
I  can  almost  believe  you  would  be  happier  here,  where,  at 
least,  one  is  independent.  This  is  indeed  a  glorious  country. 
I  feel  a  larger  life  stirring  within  me,  when  I  breathe  the  free 
air  of  these  noble  woods  and  prairies.  It  inspires  me  with 
new  energy,  and  gives  me  strength  to  believe  that  with  God's 
help  I  may  yet  live  to  some  worthy  purpose,  and  that  my  dar- 
ling sister  may  never  again  have  cause  to  weep  at  the  disgrace 
of  her  brother,  HARRY." 

It  is  doubtful  how  long  Mabel  might  have  ?at  pondering  the 
contents  of  Harry's  letter,  and  especially  its  final  clause,  had 
not  her  aunt  Ridgway,  as  she  crossed  the  room,  observed  the 
other  document  laying  in  her  niece's  lap,  and  exclaimed, "  What 
a  queer  looking  letter!  Missent  twice/'  added  she,  as  she 
took  it  up  and  surveyed  it  with  those  keen  eyes  which  had 
never  yet  required  spectacles.  "  Strange  that  anybody  who 
could  write  at  all  should  n't  know  how  to  spell  the  name  of 
this  town." 

Mabel's  curiosity  being  thus  reawakened,  she  tore  open  the 
letter.  It  was  -from  Lydia  Hope,  and  dated  a  week  back. 

"DEAR  Miss  MABEL,"  wrote  Lydia,  "I'm  afraid  you  don't 
know  that  Mrs.  Leroy  is  very  sick  at  the  hotel  here  in  New 
York.  I  hated  to  frighten  you,  and  did  n't  know  how  to  tell 
you  of  it  without ;  but  mother  says  you  ought  to  know,  for  it 
wouldn't  be  like  you  not  to  come  right  away.  When  she  first 
took  sick,  Cecilia  sent  for  us,  and  we  Ve  been  here  ever  since. 
Cecilia  has  gone  back  to  Cape  May  to  wait  on  another  lady. 
Mother  does  the  best  she  can,  and  I  try  to  be  of  some  use. 
The  folks  in  the  hotel  are  very  good,  and  the  doctor  comes 
ever  so  often  ;  but  he  can 't  seem  to  help  her,  and  she 's  getting 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  319 

very  bad.     Oh,  Miss  Mabel,  we  wish  you  were  here,  and  we 
hope  you  will  start  as  soon  as  you  get  this. 

"  Very  dutifully  and  respectfully  yours, 

"LYDIA  HOPE." 

With  a  trembling  heart,  but  maintaining,  nevertheless,  that 
self-command  and  energy  with  which  a  strong  mind  braces  itself 
to  meet  every  emergency,  Mabel  at  once  prepared  to  obey  this 
trying  summons.  There  was  no  time  to  be  lost,  for  she  might 
already  be  too  late  to  render  any  assistance  to  poor  Louise ; 
and  her  resolution  to  depart  immediately,  was  equally  unshaken 
by  her  aunt  Margaret's  inveighing  against  the  solitary  journey, 
as  being  the  height  of  impropriety,  and  her  aunt  Sabiah's  tear- 
fully remonstrating  against  the  exposure  to  a  disease  which  she 
felt  sure  was  something  contagious.  By  starting  a  little  before 
day-break  the  next  morning,  she  could  reach  New  York  at 
night-fall ;  and  whatever  dread  she  might  at  another  time  have 
felt  at  the  thought  of  travelling  unprotected  and  alone,  the  still 
greater  dread  of  delay  banished  every  minor  consideration. 

Mrs.  Ridgway,  who,  if  she  agreed  with  Sabiah  on  no  other 
point,  shared  all  her  prejudices  against  Louise,  and  felt  lor  her 
neither  affection  nor  sympathy,  took  more  than  one  opportunity 
of  protesting  that  this  hot-headed  proceeding  on  Mabel's  part 
was  entered  on  with  her  entire  disapprobation,  and  that  she 
never  again  would  undertake  the  responsibility  of  having 
young  people  in  her  house.  As  this  expression  of  her 
resolution  was  still  further  enforced  by  the  energetic  orders 
which  she  that  evening  gave  her  servants,  in  Mabel's  hearing, 
to  take  up  the  carpets  the  next  day,  and  otherwise  prepare  to 
renovate  the  rooms  which  had  been  occupied  by  herself  and 
Harry,  Mabel  plainly  understood  that  she  had  nothing  further 
•  to  expect  from  her  aunt's  hospitality  ;  and  when,  therefore,  she 
drove,  from  the  door,  in  the  dim  morning  light,  it  was  with  the 
full  consciousness  that  she  was  bidding  the  town  of  L.  a  iinal 
adieu. 


CHAPTER    XXVIII. 

The  songs  of  joy  arc  funeral  cries  become, 
And  luxury's  board  is  covered  Avith  a  pall ; 
The  chamber  of  the  banquet  is  a  tomb  ; 
Death,  the  pale  autocrat,  he  rules  o'er  all. 

DERZHAVIN. 

IT  was  between  eight  and  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening,  and  an 
unusual  bustle  prevailed  in  the  lower  hall  and  offices  of  a  pop- 
ular New  York  hotel.  It  was  the  principal  season  for  Southern 
and  Western  travel ;  the  British  mail  steamer  had  come  to  her 
dock  that  morning  ;  the  coaches  were  just  driving  up  from  the 
Eastern  railroad,  and  porters,  waiters,  and  other  officials  were 
clattering  over  the  pavement  and  jostling  each  other  in  the 
passages.  A  boy  about  nine  years  of  age  was  leaning  heavily 
over  the  bannisters  of  the  wide  staircase,  his  listless  attitude 
and  gloomy  countenance  betokening  his  indifference  to  the 
exciting  scene  which  was  transpiring  below,  while  a  younger 
and  gayer  little  fellow,  mounted  on  the  clerk's  desk,  was  smok- 
ing a  cigarette,  and  declaiming,  in  a  droll,  bombastic  style,  for 
the  entertainment  and  applause  of  a  crowd  of  idlers,  who  now 
and  then  interrupted  him  with  cheers  and  peals  of  laughter. 

"  Hallo  !  hold  on  !  give  us  some  more,  young  America,'' 
shouted  several  voices,  as  the  little  orator,  Hinging  away  the 
cigaretto  with  which  he  had  been  bribed,  made  a  sudden  effort 
to  spring  from  the  arms  of  the  individual  who  supported  him 
on  his  elevated  platform. 

"  Let  me  go,  let  me  go,"  cried  the  boy,  struggling  lustily  to 
escape;  "  my  aunt  Mabel  has  come,  —  I  see  my  auntie ;  let 
me  go,  I  say." 

.  "  Don't  keep  the  boy  from  his  auntie,"  exclaimed  one  or  two 
of  the  spectators,  at  the  same  time  turning  to  give  a  broad  stare 


MABEL    VADGHAN.  321 

at  Mabel,  who  had  been  observed  by  Murray  the  moment  she 
entered  the  hotel,  but  whose  face  was  hid  as  she  now  stooped 
to  embrace  the  eager  child.  The  light  laugh  and  the  meaning 
whisper  which  succeeded,  gave  place  to  respectful  silence,  how- 
ever, as  Mabel  glanced  around  with  grave  and  dignified  wonder, 
and  then,  with  the  boy  still  clinging  to.  her  neck,  hastened  up 
the  staircase. 

Alick  did  not  advance  to  meet  her  as  she  approached;  he 
even  tried  to  hide  his  face ;  but  when  she  took  his  forehead 
between  her  hands  and  tenderly  kissed  him,  questioning  him, 
meanwhile,  with  her  earnest  look,  he  uttered  a  smothered  cry, 
and,  grasping  her  by  the  dress,  followed,  sobbing. 

"  Take  me  to  my  mamma,  Aunt  Mabel,"  cried  Murray,  ve- 
hemently ;  "  they  won't  let  me  see  my  pretty  mamma."  Not 
daring  to  breathe  to  the  children  the  question  which  trembled 
on  her  lips,  Mabel  hurried  on  in  the  direction  of  the  rooms  her 
sister  had  been  wont  to  occupy,  and,  as  she  turned  a  corner, 
encountered  Lydia  Hope,  who,  hearing  Murray's  voice,  had 
hastened  to  meet  and  quiet  him.  In  the  dim  light,  she  did  not 
recognize  Mabel,  until  the  latter  caught  her  by  the  hand  and 
said,  in  a  low,  unnatural  voice,  "  Lydia,  how  is  Mrs.  Leroy  ? 
is  she  living  ?  " 

"  O  Miss  Mabel,  is  that  you  ?  "  cried  Lydia ;  "  you  have 
come  at  last." 

"  Is  she  living  ? "  asked  Mabel,  repeating  her  inquiry,  as 
she  observed  that  Lydia  evaded  a  direct  reply. 

"  Yes,  she  is  ;  I  can  just  say  that."  replied  Lydia,  with  hesi- 
tation ;  "but  —  Oh,  he  mustn't  go  in,"  added  she,  interrupting 
herself,  in  a  distressed  voice,  as  Murray  attempted  to  rush 
past. 

"  Stop,  Murray ;  stop,  darling,"  exclaimed  Mabel,  intercept- 
ing and  staying  him  in  his  progress.  "  I  will  go  and  see  if  you 
can  come  in,  and  will  come  back  by-and-by  and  tell  you.  Alick 
will  try  to  amuse  you,  and  so  will  Lydia.  Stay  with  them, 
Lydia,  and  coax  them  down  for  a  few  minutes,  if  you  can," 
she  added,  in  an  under  tone.  "  I  will  go  in  by  myself." 

How  the  paltry  distinctions  and  petty  vanities  of  life  disap- 


322  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

pear  before  that  mighty  leveller  which  overleaps  the  bulwarks 
of  custom,  and  tramples  into  the  dust  the  boasted  elements  of 
beauty,  power  and  pride !  Disease,  which  spares  neither  prince 
nor  beggar,  now  reigned  triumphant  in  that  apartment,  where, 
a  little  while  ago,  fashion  and  luxury  had  held  undisputed 
sway.  The  spacious  mirrors  were  shrouded,  lest  they  should 
reflect  too  vividly  the  harrowing  scene  within.  The  appli- 
ances of  dress  and  ornament  had  given  place  to  the  stern 
necessities  of  illness,  and  the  rich  draperies  that  shaded  the 
windows  and  couch  had  been  removed  for  the  freer  admission 
of  air.  All  these  were  signs  of  the  desolation  and  fear  which 
cometh  like  a  whirlwind ;  but  what  were  these  to  that  deeper 
seal  which  was  set  on  the  face  of  her  against  whom  the  fiat  had 
gone  forth !  Though  believing  that  she  had  armed  herself 
against  the  worst,  Mabel  felt  all  her  powers  paralyzed  with 
horror,  as  entering  the  chamber,  unwarned  and  unannounced, 
she  beheld  the  face  and  form  of  her  who,  but  a  few  weeks 
before,  had  graced  the  dance  and  been  the  ornament  of  the 
ball-room.  Her  beautiful  wavy  hair  was  cut  short  to  her  tem- 
ples, the  once  laughing  eye  was  sunken,  fixed  and  glassy,  a 
deep  red  spot  mounted  in  each  hollow  cheek,  while  a  dark  line 
around  the  mouth  gave  added  ghastliness  to  the  countenance. 
The  little  hand,  no  longer  graceful  and  bewitching  in  its  ges- 
tures, now  nervously  clutched  the  counter-pane ;  the  breath  was 
short  and  interrupted,  and  a  vehement,  and,  at  times,  incoherent 
muttering,  betrayed  the  disordered  mind.  The  grave  physician, 
stationed  at  the  bedside,  with  his  fingers  on  the  feeble  pulse, 
shook  his  head  discouragingly,  as  the  widow  Hope  applied  to 
the  dry  lips  of  the  patient  a  spoonful  of  liquid,  which  she  had 
no  longer  the  power  to  swallow. 

Heart-rending  as  was  this  picture,  its  painful  effect  was  still 
further  enhanced  by  the  nature  of  the  wild  words  which  burst 
at  intervals  from  the  poor  sufferer,  who  retained,  even  in  this 
awful  moment,  the  imperfect  power  of  speech.  "  What !  give 
up  my  beautiful  rooms  ! "  exclaimed  she,  in  a  strained  and  hol- 
low tone,  "  and  go  out  into  that  dreadful  prairie !  No,  no,  I 
say  ;  I  will  not  bury  myself  in  the  country  !  Do  you  hear  me, 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  323 

Mr.  Leroy?" —  then,  again,  after  a  few  low  mutterings,  her 
wandering  thoughts  seemed  to  take  a  different  turn,  and  she 
cried  out  as  if  disputing  a  contested  point ;  "  They  shall  not 
take  my  jewels — no,  nor  my  plate !  Diamonds  are  not  property; 
they  cannot  be  seized  to  pay  his  debts  ! "  and  then,  exhausted 
by  this  outburst,  her  clenched  hands  dropped  powerless  and 
her  lips  suddenly  closed. 

With  form  bent  forward,  and  eyes  dilated  with  sudden  fear 
and  dread,  Mabel  stood  for  a  moment  unobserved,  just  within 
the  doorway,  taking  in  at  a  glance  the  whole  agonizing  scene ; 
then  a  sudden  faintness  seized  her,  a  film  overspread  her  sight, 
her  heart  seemed  to  cease  its  beating,  and  she  sank  upon  the 
floor. 

They  carried  her  into  the  next  room,  where  she  was  speedily 
restored  to  consciousness,  and  having  drank  a  cup  of  tea  (for 
she  had  fasted  since  morning),  she  was  enabled  to  overcome  her 
temporary  weakness,  and  assume  a  composure  which,  with 
heroic  effort,  she  succeeded  in  maintaining  to  the  end. 

"You  have  arrived  at  a  distressing  hour,  Miss  Vaughan," 
said  the  physician ;  "  is  there  no  one  whom  you  would  like  to 
send  for,  to  be  with  you  to-night?" 

Mabel  thought  a  moment,  then  shook  her  head.  Among  her 
wide  circle  of  acquaintances  there  were  none  whose  presence 
could  sustain  her  at  such  a  moment ;  and,  looking  gratefully  at 
Mrs.  Hope  and  Lydia,  she  answered — "No  one;  I  have  no 
better  friends  than  these." 

It  was  a  terrible  night.  A -violent  thunder-storm  came  on, 
and  seemed  to  shake  the  house  to  its  foundations ;  the  inmates 
of  the  hotel  were  excited  and  noisy ;  a  number  of  arrivals  and 
departures  served  to  increase  the  tumult ;  and  few,  if  any,  who 
shared  that  public  shelter,  enjoyed  an  hour's  repose. 

And  while  the  lightning  flash  and  the  reverberating  roar 
caused  many  a  heart  to  tremble,  while  the  wind  rattled  the 
window-panes  and  whistled  through  the  chimneys,  while  doors 
banged  loudly  and  hurried  footsteps  tramped  across  the  marble 
floors,  and  voices  shouted  from  the  halls  below,  and  bells  rang 
in  angry  rivalry  from  every  quarter  of  the  building,  and  heaven 


324  MABEL    VAUGHAX. 

and  earth  seemed  alike  contentious,  a  fiercer  conflict  still  went 
on  within  those  narrow  walls  where  an  imprisoned  soul  sought 
to  burst  its  tenement  of  clay ;  and  amid  the  noise,  the  hurry, 
the  discord,  and  the  strife,  the  flattered  favorite  of  fashion  and 
the  world  encountered  the  merciless  foe,  did  battle  with  the 
keen  destroyer ,  experienced  the  last  dread  struggle  and  the 
mortal  agony. 

"  If  I  can  be  of  any  use  to  you,  I  beg  you  will  command  my 
services,  Miss  Vaughan,"  said  the  gentlemanly,  but  somewhat 
formal  physician,  who  had  spent  the  night  at  the  hotel,  but 
whose  professional  attendance  being  no  longer  required  Avas 
about  to  take  leave. 

"  You  will  send  the  person  of  whom  you  spoke  ?  " 

"  Yes.  I  have  already  despatched  a  messenger  for  him  ;  he 
is  usually  employed  on  these  occasions,  and  will  see  that  every 
thing  is  properly  arranged." 

"  Thank  you  ;  that  is  all  the  assistance  I  require,"  said  Ma- 
bel, and  the  medical  man  bowed  and  left  her. 

She  went  and  lay  down  on  the  foot  of  the  children's  bed, — 
not  to  sleep,  but  to  be  still  and  watch  the  peaceful  slumber  to 
which  she  herself  had  soothed  them;  She  was  there  when  they 
awoke,  and  when,  amid  their  morning  caresses,  they  questioned 
her  concerning  their  mother,  she  gently  told  them  the  truth. 

"  Mamma  is  dead,  and  so  is  papa,"  said  Murray,  "  and  so  is 
Rosy.  But  auntie,  you  wrote  us  in  a  letter  that  Rosy  had 
gone  to  a  beautiful  world,  and  so  then  has  my  mamma !  And 
I  shall  go  too,  one  of  these  days,"  added  he,  with  a  sort  of  tri- 
umph. "  Oh,  won't  they  be  glad  when  they  see  me  coming*! " 

Alick  did  not  speak,  he  only  wept ;  not  because  he  had  more 
reason  than  Murray  to  love  his  parents  —  but  because  his  heart 
was  more  deeply  sensitive,  and  his  mind  mature  beyond  his 
years.  He  could  not  be  comforted,  nor  would  he  give  any 
reply  to  Murray's  often  repeated  inquiry  why  he  cried. 

Mabel  was  soon  obliged  to  leave  them,  being  summoned  to 
meet  the  individual  whom  the  doctor  had  sent  to  her  assistance. 
She  listened  calmly  and  patiently  while,  taking  the  matter  into 
his  own  hands,  he  informed  her  that  he  needed  no  directions ;  he 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  325 

understood  the  circumstances  perfectly,  and  knew  what  the  occa- 
sion demanded ;  —  what  would  be  expected  from  Mrs.  Leroy's 
position  in  society,  —  and-ehould  see  that  the  whole  ceremony 
was  conducted  with  taste  and  elegance.  It  was  a  sad  thing, 
he  added,  that  Mr.  Leroy  should  have  been  taken  off  so  sud- 
denly, and  left  his  affairs  insolvent  too  —  Mabel  here  gave  u 
slight  start  of  surprise ;  she  need  not  fear,  however,  that  he 
should  regard  this  circumstance  in  his  arrangements,  for  he  had 
faith  to  believe,  in  spite  of  reports  to  the  contrary,  that  her 
respected  father  was  not  so  deeply  involved  but  that  he  would 
retrieve  himself,  and  be  happy  to  meet  every  demand. 

"  The  only  wishes  I  have  in  this  matter,"  sajd  Mabel,  with 
difficulty  concealing  the  alarm  and  embarrassment  excited  by 
these  inuendoes,  "  are,  that  my  sister's  funeral  should  be  con- 
ducted as  simply  as  possible,  and  should  take  place  from  my 
father's  house." 

She  was  answered  by  a  look  of  utter  astonishment,  and  the 
abrupt  words,  "  Is  it  possible,  Miss  Vaughan,  that  you  are  igno- 
rant of  the  sale  which  took  place  last  week ;  your  father's  estate 
was  put  up  at  auction,  and  knocked  off  at  considerably  less  than 
its  value,  I  should  judge." 

"  Sold  !  Are  you  sure?"  asked  Mabel.  "I  speak  of  the 
family  residence  in  town." 

"  Certainly ;  I  am  not  likely  to  be  mistaken,"  replied  the 
man,  whose  authority  in  all  matters  connected  with  the  good  or 
ill  fortune  of  his  patrons  was  seldom  called  in  question,  and 
who  felt,  therefore,  a  little  piqued  at  the  implied  doubt.  "  It 
all  went  under  the  hammer;  house  and  contents.  I  heard 
there  were  some  orders  sent  on  in  regard  to  pictures  and  other 
ornamental  articles,  but  they  came  too  late,  and  nothing  could 
be  reclaimed.  It  is  very  unfortunate,  to  be  sure,"  continued 
he,  in  a  tone  of  compassion,  but  studying  her  face  meanwhile 
with  vulgar  curiosity ; — "  these  little  knick-knackeries  that  one 
naturally  sets  by,  are  the  very  things  that  give  a  certain  style 
to  an  establishment,  and  our  rich  upstarts  that  snap  at  such  a 
wholesale  chance  would  not  part  with  one  of  them  —  no,  not  if 
they  had  comj  down  from  your  great-great-grandfather." 
28 


326  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

He  would  have  declaimed  still  further  on  the  subject,  but 
Mabel,  shocked  at  the  unexpected  revelations  thus  made 
through  a  stranger,  unwilling  to  accept  condolence  from  such  a 
quarter,  and  only  anxious  to  terminate  the  conversation,  inter- 
rupted him  before  he  had  time  to  proceed.  "  I  have  been  in 
the  country,"  said  she,  with  an  air  of  reserve,  "  and  had  not 
become  aware  of  these  particulars ;  they  are  of  no  consequence 
at  present.  If  the  house  has  been  disposed  of,  as  you  say,  the 
funeral  will,  of  course,  take  place  from  here;"  and,  leaving  to 
him  the  furtherance  of  all  other  arrangements,  she  hastened 
from  the  apartment. 

In  the  hall,  she  met  a  porter  with  a  trunk  upon  his  shoulder, 
and  the  next  instant  encountered  a  gentleman,  who  was  just 
vacating  a  neighboring  room,  and  who,  coming  hurriedly  out 
with  a  cloak  over  his  arm,  had  nearly  run  against  her  in  the 
passage.  He  stepped  politely  aside  to  let  her  pass,  and  com- 
menced a  graceful  apology,  but  checked  himself  with  ill-dis- 
guised embarrassment ;  and  for  once,  the  courtly  and  accom- 
plished Dudley  (for  he  it  was),  stood  humbled  and  awed  in  the 
presence  of  the  young  and  unsophisticated  girl.  Not  that 
Mabel,  in  this  moment  of  mutual  recognition,  made  any  as- 
sumption of  arrogance  or  disdain,  or  that  indifference  had 
already  succeeded  to  her  first  romantic  preference  ;  but  Borrow 
has  a  dignity  all  its  own,  and  great  calamities  calmly  niH.  and 
solemn  duties  bravely  done,  set  a  seal  upon  the  countenance 
which  may  well  make  the  selfish  and  the  worldly  tremble. 
Thus,  while  she  returned  his  awkward  salutation  with  forced 
but  serene  composure,  and  the  blood,  which  rushed  wildly  to 
her  heart,  never  tinged  the  marble  pallor  of  her  cheek,  the  se'lf- 
convicted  man  of  the  world  shrank  from  her  glance  as  if  it  had 
power  to  penetrate  to  the  depths  of  his  cowardly  soul,  and  felt 
himself  abased  by  the  consciousness  that  he  was  detected  in  the 
very  act  of  wilfully  forsaking,  in  her  hour  of  need,  one  whom  he 
had  once  professed  to  love ;  for  Dudley  had  arrived  the  previous 
night,  had  learned,  in  common  with  the  rest  of  the  household? 
the  sad  events  of  the  last  few  hours,  and  was  seeking,  by  an 
abrupt  flight,  to  excuse  himself  from  any  call  upon  his  sympa- 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  327 

thy  or  aid.  So  heartless  were  the  calculations  and  so  contemp- 
tible the  devices  of  this  self-seeking,  time-serving  man,  who, 
never  knowing  a  genuine  emotion  himself,  was  as  incompetent 
as  he  was  reluctant  to  enter  into  another's  woes. 

It  was  in  vain,  therefore,  that  he  strove  to  rally  his  self-pos- 
session. Mabel  had  the  superiority  and  she  maintained  it;  and 
when,  after  a  bow  of  feigned  solemnity  in  deference  to  her 
bereavement,  and  a  gesture  of  imperative  haste  as  an  apology 
for  his  brevity,  he  kept  on  his  way  with  a  downcast  eye,  which 
had  ventured  to  meet  hers  for  an  instant  only,  she  looked  after 
him  less  in  anger,  less  in  pride,  and  less  in  wounded  affection, 
than  with  the  generous  compassion  which  virtue  must  ever  feel 
for  meanness  and  duplicity. 

"  Poor,  dear  child  !  "  exclaimed  the  widow  Hope,  who  met 
her  at  the  door  of  the  children's  bed-room,  where  she  had  once 
more  sought  a  safe  place  of  refuge  ;  "  you  look  dead  beat,  and 
no  wonder,  poor  lamb  !  How  Rosy  would  have  felt  to  see  you 
in  such  a  strait  as  this!"  and  the  widow  wiped  her  eyes. 
"  Come,  lie  down  again,  and  let  me  fetch  you  some  breakfast. 
Lyddy  has  taken  the  children  down  to  get  some,  and  I  told  her 
to  keep  them  out  of  the  way  for  a  while,  so  that  you  might 
manage  to  get  a  nap." 

Utterly  exhausted  in  heart  and  mind,  Mabel  had  not  the 
strength  to  resist  the  persuasions  of  her  kind  friend ;  so  she  ate 
without  appetite  a  few  morsels  of  food,  and  permitted  herself 
to  be  coaxed  into  putting  on  a  wrapper  and  lying  down  in  a 
darkened  room.  How  long  she  thus  lay  quiet  an 3  undisturbed 
she  scarcely  knew,  for  although  slumber  never  once  visited  her 
senses,  thought  was  sharpened  to  such  intensity  as  to  forbid 
her  taking  note  of  time ;  and  so  unconscious  was  she  of  all  that 
was  passing  around,  that  she  gave  a  start  of  surprise  when, 
after  the  lapse  of  some  hours,  she  opened  her  eyes  and  saw  the 
good  Mrs.  Hope,  who  believing  her  to  be  asleep,  was  patiently 
watching  beside  her.  That  these  hours  of  quiet  meditation 
had  not,  however,  been  fruitless  in  resolve,  was  at  once  made 
evident  by  the  conversation  which  ensued  between  the  care- 


328  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

worn  but  heroic  girl  and  her  humble  but  faithful  counsellor 
and  friend. 

"  Mrs.  Hope,"  said  Mabel,  speaking  with  calm  decision,  but 
at  the  same  time  looking  fixedly  in  the  face  of  the  widow,  as 
if  to  judge  of  the  effect  of  her  announcement,  "  I  intend  to  take 
the  boys  and  go  out  West  to  my  father." 

"  You  do  n't  really  mean  so,  Miss  Mabel,"  said  the  widow  in 
a  deprecating  tone,  but  looking  less  surprised  than  had  been 
anticipated  by  her  hearer. 

"  I  have  been  thinking  it  over,"  continued  Mabel,  "  and  have 
come  to  the  conclusion  it  is  the  best  thing  I  can  do." 

"  Well,  Lyddy  said  perhaps  you  'd  be  for  going  out  there," 
remarked  the  widow,  "  but,  laws  me,  it  seeins  such  a  long  way 
off." 

"  Yes,  it  is  a  long  journey,"  said  Mabel,  rising  from  the  bed 
as  she  spoke,  with  a  countenance  and  manner  which  were 
suggestive  of  the  fresh  energy  inspired  by  the  greatness  of  the 
enterprise,  "  but  I  am  not  afraid,  Mrs.  Hope.  Alick  and  Mur- 
ray will  be  brave  little  travellers,  and  I  have  learned  already 
that  in  this  country  a  lady  can  always  depend  on  the  public  for 
kindness  and  protection." 

"  Dear  me,  what  would  your  pa  say,"  asked  Mrs.  Hope, 
"  if  he  knew  you  had  such  an  idea  in  your  head  ?  " 

"  He  does  not,  of  course,  know  how  I  am  situated,"  said 
Mabel,  "  and  I  can  not  be  sure  what  he  would  think  best ;  so  I 
am  obliged  to  judge  for  myself.  We  have  no  longer  a  home 
in  New  York ;  I  cannot  take  the  children  to  my  aunt  Ridg- 
way's,  even  if  I  felt  at  liberty  to  go  back  there  myself;  I  can 
not  stay  here  or  anywhere  else  in  the  city ;  besides,"  continued 
she,  as  if  bringing  forward  the  strongest  point  in  her  argument, 
"  my  father  needs  me  —  I  am  sure  of  it.  He  is  still  suffering 
from  the  accident,  and  has  nobody  but  my  brother  to  nurse 
him ;  they  both  need  my  help,  and  I  must  go." 

"  Go  where,  mother  ? "  asked  Lydia  in  a  whisper ;  "  out 
West?" 

She  had  come  in  unperceived,  and  Mabel  could  not  but 
observe  the  earnestness  of  her  inquiry. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  329 

Mrs.  Hope  nodded  in  assent.  Lydia  looked  significantly  at 
her  mother,  whispered  again,  and  then  turned  away  and  busied 
herself  at  the  other  end  of  the  room.  Mrs.  Hope  hesitated, 
and  Mabel,  perceiving  that  she  wished  to  make  some  sugges- 
tion but  was  waiting  for  encouragement,  said,  with  a  faint 
attempt  at  a  smile,  "  What  is  it,  Mrs.  Hope  ?  tell  me." 

"  Why,  we  were  thinking,"  said  the  widow,  —  "  that  is,  we 
were  talking  it  over  this  morning  —  and  if  we  felt  sure  you  * 
would  not  take  it  amiss  —  Lyddy  has  a  friend  —  I  mean  we 
have  a  friend,  who  is  going  out  West  day  after  to-morrow." 

"Well,  Lydia,"  said  Mabel,  "and  what  of  this  friend?" 

Lydia  did  not  look  round  nor  answer ;  the  tips  of  he?  ears 
were  very  red,  and  she  pretended  to  be  exceedingly  busy  — 
so  her  mother  saved  her  the  necessity  of  replying.  "  Why,  he 
is  a  very  clever  fellow,"  said  the  latter,  "  and  knows  his  place. 
Yes,  Owen  is  too  proud  to  be  presuming,  and  he  knows  all 
about  the  railroads  and  steamboats,  and  you  might  be  sure 
he  'd  do  his  best  to  be  of  service  and  take  care  of  your  baggage 
and  so  on." 

Mabel  now  understood  that  these  thoughtful  friends  had 
foreseen  the  probability  of  her  projecting  this  long  and  trying 
journey,  and  were  anxious  to  provide  her  with  a  trusty  attend- 
ant and  escort.  So  far  from  being  offended  at  the  proposition, 
she  thanked  them  cordially  for  their  considerate  kindness,  and 
reserving  any  decision  in  the  matter,  expressed  a  wish  to  see 
the  young  man,  who,  she  was  told,  would  be  at  the  hotel  that 
evening.  Accordingly,  when  Owen  Dowst  presented  himself, 
and  Mabel  recognized  in  him  the  ruddy  teamster  who  had 
been  Rose's  friend,  she  at  once  decided  in  her  own  mind  to* 
accept  his  protection,  which  was  offered  with  a  respectful 
civility  accompanied  by  manly  independence. 

It  seemed  that  Owen  had  relinquished  his  former  business, 
having  been  induced  to  part  with  his  noble  horses  by  the  liberal 
offer  of  a  gentleman  who  coveted  the  superb  stud  for  his  family 
carriage,  and  that  he  was  now  about  to  seek  his  fortune  at 
what  was  then  termed  the  far  West.  As  the  point  to 
which  he  was  bound  was  within  one  day's  journey  of  Mr. 
28* 


330  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

Vauglian's  estate,  and  as  lie  intended  to  accomplish  the  distance 
in  the  shortest  possible  time  by  travelling  day  and  night,  his 
purpose  and  route  were  found  to  correspond  wholly  with  Ma- 
bel's ;  and  it  was  agreed  that,  on  the  following  day  but  one,  she 
and  the  children  should  proceed- to  Albany,  and  thence  on  their 
westward  trip,  under  the  guardianship  of  their  honest  though 
unpretending  escort. 

"Well,  now  that  it's  all  settled,  and  it  seems  probable  you'll 
get  there  safe,"  said  Mrs.  Hope,  in  a  confidential  tone  to  Mabel 
when  she  was  alone  with  her  that  night.  "  I  must  say,  I  think 
it 's  the  very  best  thing  you  could  do,  and  I  'm  glad  you  made 
up  yo*ur  mind  to  it.  You  do  n't  seem  to  have  many  relations 
any  where  'round,  and  we  're  only  humble  folks,  and  I  for  one 
could  n't  bear  you  should  stay  here  and  be  slighted." 

"  How  do  you  mean,  Mrs.  Hope  ?  "  said  Mabel ;  "  the  people 
in  the  house  are  civil,  I  believe." 

"  Well,  ye?,  after  a  fashion  ;  only,  you  see,  they  've  got  it  all 
'round  about  the  '  smash-up,'  as  they  call  it,  among  the  high- 
feelin'  folks.  Not  that  anybody 's  any  reason  to  say  that  of 
you,  Miss  Mabel ;  but  your  poor  sister  there  —  it  was  a  pretty 
hard  rub  for  her.  She  heard  sort  o'  rumors  down  to  the  sea- 
shore, and  she  hurried  up,  Cecilia  said,  to  find  out  if  it  was 
true,  and  look  after  the  things  she  'd  left  here  that  she  thought 
were  her  own  by  right,  and  they  weren't  very  ready  to  let  her 
have  the  rooms  ;  and  the  servants,  they  'd  got  their  mouths  full 
of  it,  and  kind  of  flung  it  at  her  —  and  it  seemed  as  if  every 
thing  came  together.  Laws  me  !  't  was  that  more  'n  the  heat 
or  any  thing  else  that  took  her  down." 

Mabel  shuddered  as  she  thought  of  the  trial  that  must  have 
been  so  bitter  to  her  vain  and  worldly  sister,  and  wept  as  she 
meditated  on  its  fearful  consequences.  She  had  no  fear  of 
disrespect  herself,  but  she  could  well  imagine  the  nature  of  the 
retaliation  which  had  been  visited  on  Mrs.  Leroy,  whose  super- 
cilious manners,  barely  tolerated  in  her  clays  of  prosperity, 
would  have  been  sure  to  excite  ridicule  and  contempt  for  her 
in  her  fallen  fortunes. 

Alas  for  the  honor  which  has  wealth  alone  for  its  foundation, 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  331 

and  the  hope  which  is  dependent  on  frail  mortality!  With 
one  blast  of  misfortune,  the  former  is  changed  to  ignominy  and 
insult,  and  the  latter  gives  place  to  desperation,  decay,  and 
death. 

In  spite  of  Mabel's  directions  to  the  contrary,  there  was  yet 
one  more  scene  of  worldly  show,  in  which  the  remains  of  the 
once  brilliant  Mrs.  Leroy  were  destined  to  form  a  part.  Sim- 
plicity was  not  in  the  code  of  that  professed  fashionist,  who  had 
charge  of  the  funeral  arrangements  ;  and  they  were  therefore 
conducted  with  all  that  pomp  and  parade  which  he  deemed 
essential  to  his  own  dignity,  if  not  that  of  their  more  immedi- 
ate object.  Due  notice  had  been  given  of  the  time  and  place 
of  the  solemnities  ;  but,  except  by  Mabel,  the  children,  Mrs. 
Hope  and  Lydia,  whose  feelings  were  sincerely  affected,  and 
a  few  of  the  residents  and  servants  of  the  hotel,  who  came 
out  of  curiosity,  the  services  were  unattended.  The  clergyman 
at  whose  church  Mrs.  Leroy  had  now  and  then  occupied  a 
richly  furnished  pew,  was  absent  from  the  city,  and 'the  cere- 
mony was  performed  by  a  stranger.  Still,  except  that  Mabel 
wore  no  mourning,  which  she  had  neither  the  time  nor  the 
means  to  procure,  there  was  no  omission  of  any  of  the  custom 
ary  symbols  of  grief,  and  every  thing  was  conducted  on  a 
scale  of  profuse  magnificence.  The  carriages,  nearly  all  of 
which  were  empty,  filed  off  one  by  one,  —  a  melancholy  pageant 
—  a  seeming  mockery  of  her  whose  whole  life  had  been  a 
pageant  —  and,  in  an  expensive  tomb,  in  the  heart  of  the  noisy 
city,  the  strange  officials,  each  wearing  a  solemn  badge,  laid 
the  form  of  her  who  was  destined  to  be  speedily  unmissed  and 
forgotten  in  the  very  scene  of  her  boasted  triumphs. 

It  was  the  dim  hour  of  twilight,  and  Mabel,  who  had  a  few 
hours  before  returned  from  paying  the  last  tribute  of  respect 
and  affection  to  her  sister,  was  seated,  with  Murray  on  her 
knee,  and  one  arm  round  the  waist  of  the  other  orphan  boy. 
A  note  had  just  been  handed  to  her,  written  on  rose-colored 
paper,  and  expressing  in  high-flown  terms  the  regret  of  Mrs. 
Vannecker  that  she  could  not  come  to  her  aid.  "  Cecilia  re- 
turned to  the  Cape  yesterday,"  wrote  she,  "  to  engage  as  waiting 


332  MABEL    VAUGHAN- 

maid  to  a  Southern  lady,  and  brought  me  news  of  dear  Louise's 
distressing  illness.  It  is  truly  shocking.  My  heart  yearns  to 
be  with  her  and  to  comfort  you,  if  you  have  arrived,  as  was 
expected  ;  but  the  regatta  is  to  take  place  to-morrow,  and  Vic 
has  so  set  her  heart  upon  it,  that  we  cannot  leave  until  it  is 
over.  I  shall  then  hope  to  see  you,  my  darling,  and  to  find 
that  our  dear  Louise's  illness  is  taking  a  favorable  turn.  Of 
course  you  employ  Gregory ;  there  is  nobody  like  him." 

Mabel  was  placing  the  note  in  her  pocket,  with  a  long  sigh, 
when  there  was  an  abrupt  knock  at  the  door.  An  unfamiliar 
name  was  spoken  by  the  servant,  and  a  visitor  was  unceremo- 
niously ushered  into  the  room.  She  started  up,  violently 
agitated,  as  if  the  venerable  form  before  her  had  been  that  of 
a  spectre ;  for,  as  she  recognized  the  aged  man,  known  to  us 
as  Father  Noah,  there  flashed  across  her  the  remembrance 
that  Louise  had  once  prophesied  this  visit,  and  that,  in  the  same 
breath,  she  had  lightly  and  confidently  sung  the  equally  pro- 
phetic words,  "  But,  oh,  I  shall  not  be  there." 

Where  was  she  ?  We  may  not  question  the  mercy  of  an 
infinite  Providence  ;  but  the  thrill  which  shot  through  Mabel's 
heart  at  the  moment,  proved  the  strength  of  her  conviction, 
that  her  poor  sister  had  not,  while  on  earth,  earned  a  title  to  a 
heavenly  birthright. 

The  good  clergyman  saw  her  agitation ;  but  in  no  degree 
attributing  it  to  his  own  presence,  took  her  hand  gently  and 
sat  down  beside  her.  "  If  Mrs.  Hope  tells  me  truly,  my  dear 
young  lady,"  said  he,  "  you  are  realizing  the  truth,  which  has 
passed  into  a  proverb,  that  misfortunes  seldom  come  singly." 

"  I  am,"  said  Mabel,  solemnly. 

"  Can  I  help  you  ?  "  he  asked,  -in  a  simple,  fatherly  tone. 

"  Your  kindness  helps  me,"  sobbed  Mabel,  "  and  I  would 
gladly  have  a  place  in  your  prayers." 

"  Shall  I  pray  with  you  ?  "  he  added. 

Mabel  sunk  upon  her  knees,  and  the  children  instinctively 
followed  her  example,  while  the  old  man  asked  a  blessing  on 
them. 

It  was  no  common  prayer  tluit  followed.     It  betrayed  a  per- 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  333 

feet  knowledge  of  the  sorrows  and  the  wants  of  the  little 
group  ;  and  as  it  commended  them  to  the  mercy  of  Heaven, 
and  besought  for  her,  who  was  to  be  the  guide  of  youth,  the 
strength  which  cometh  from  God  only,  Mabel  felt  herself  sanc- 
tified for  the  work  that  was  given  her  to  do,  and  ready  to  go 
out  into  the  wilderness,  with  a  brave  heart,  at  the  command- 
ment of  the  Lord. 

She  rose  up,  therefore,  composed  and  strengthened ;  and,  as 
the  venerable  man  sat  down,  drew  the  children  to  his  knee,  and 
expressed  the  simple  interest  which  he  had  long  cherished  in 
Mabel's  welfare,  she  felt  her  heart  opened  towards  him,  and 
talked  freely  of  her  coming  experience  and  its  possible  duties 
and  trials.  He  gave  her  much  wise  counsel,  expressed  for  her 
much  tender  sympathy,  and  did  not  forget  to  impress  upon  the 
children,  and  especially  upon  Alick,  who  was  listening  to  him 
with  respectful  attention,  the  obligation  which  rested  upon  them 
to  behave,  as  he  said,  like  little  men,  and  be  to  her  a  comfort 
rather  than  a  care. 

Thus,  in  the  hour  of  her  spirit's  need,  when  those  who  had 
walked  with  her  in  high  places  shrank  from  the  gentle  minis- 
tries which  affliction  craves,  this  faithful  servant  of  the  poor 
had  learned  the  story  of  Mabel's  grief  from  the  lips  of  her 
humble  friends,  and  had  come  to  soothe  her  with  his  sympathy 
and  fortify  her  with  his  prayers  ;  while,  actuated  by  a  like  spirit 
of  Christian  love,  the  family  whom  Louise  had  injured,  and 
the  venerable  man  whom  she  had  despised,  had  vied  with  each 
other  in  offices  of  love  to  herself  and  her  orphan  children. 

"  Your  visit  has  done  me  good,  sir,"  said  Mabel,  taking  both 
his  hands,  as  he  rose  to  go ;  "I  thank  you  for  it  with  all  my 
heart.  It  has  made  me  strong." 

"  May  the  Lord  strengthen  and  bless  you,"  said  he,  fervently, 
in  reply,  "  and  may  the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all  un- 
derstanding, dwell  in  your  heart  forevermore." 


CHAPTER    XXIX. 

In  the  dark  winter  of  affliction's  hour, 

When  summer,  friends,  and  pleasures  haste  away, 

And  the  wrecked  heart  perceives  how  frail  each  power 

It  made  a  refuge,  and  belieA-ed  a  stay  ; 

When  man,  all  wild  and  weak  is  seen  to  be  — 

There 's  none  like  Thee,  O  Lord  !  there 's  none  like  Thee ! 

MRS.  JEWSBURY. 

THE  morning  of  departure  came.  The  landlord  of  the 
hotel  had  been  summoned,  and  on  Mabel's  expressing  her 
regret  that  her  funds  were  only  sufficient  for  her  present 
wants,  had  cordially  assured  her  of  his  perfect  readiness  to 
wait  Mr.  Vaughan's  convenience  for  the  settlement  of  his 
accounts,  and  had  himself  accompanied  her  to  the  steamboat. 
Mrs.  Hope  was  there  with  shawls  over  her  arm,  and  parcels 
in  her  hand ;  Jack  was  there  with  a  huge  basket  of  cakes  and 
candy,  provided  by  his  thoughtful  mother ;  Lydia  was  there, 
her  eyes  red  with  crying,  and  her  hands  busy  in  giving  the 
finishing  touch  to  Murray's  curls  ;  and  Owen  Dowst  was  at 
the  further  end  of  the  wharf  attending  to  the  baggage. 

At  length  they  took  their  places,  Mabel  and  the  boys  in  the 
centre  of  the  deck,  where  they  were  protected  by  an  ample 
awning,  and  Owen  modestly  choosing  a  seat  at  the  stern  of 
the  boat,  where,  without  intrusion,  he  could  keep  the  little 
party  in  sight.  The  bell  rang  and  they  moved  off; — Jack 
waved  his  cap,  Mrs.  Hope  cried  out  "  Good-bye,"  and  Lydia 
timidly  threw  a  kiss,  —  not  at  Mabel,  however,  or  the  boys, 
but  in  response  to  one  from  the  stern  of  the  vessel,  where 
Owen  stood,  leaning  over  the  railing,  and  looking  back  with  a 
tear  in  his  honest  eye. 

The  first  day's  journey  passed  without  any  important  inci- 
dent. The  weather,  which  had  promised  to  be  fair,  soon 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  335 

became  dull,  and  at  length  a  pouring  rain  drove  the  passen- 
gers to  the  cabin,  where,  for  many  successive  hours,  they  were 
crowded  together,  deprived  of  fresh  air,  and  with  no  prospect 
of  being  able  to  venture  again  on  deck. 

Here  all  Mabel's  powers  were  called  into  action,  for  the 
diversion  and  entertainment  of  Murray,  whose  restlessness 
could  ill  brook  the  restraint  to  which  he  was  subjected  in  the 
ladies'  saloon,  and  who  continually  threatened  to  stray  beyond 
its  limits.  Fortunately,  however,  Owen,  who  had  stationed 
himself  in  the  vicinity  of  the  door,  contrived  to  decoy  him  to 
a  place  on  his  knee,  and  amused  and  entertained  him  there 
until  the  bell  sounded  for  dinner.  While  watching  the  good- 
natured  youth,  as  he  cut  an  apple  into  a  fanciful  shape,  or 
whittled  a  figure  from  a  bit  of  wood,  the  child  was  completely 
happy,  and  Mabel  was  freed  from  all  anxiety  concerning  him. 

These  ingenious  and  friendly  devices,  hpwever,  though  not 
lost  upon  Alick,  had  no  power  to  win  him  from  his  position 
beside  Mabel,  where,  with  the  basket  of  provisions  at  his 
feet,  and  his  arm  passed  through  the  handle  of  the  carpet 
bag,  he  sat  upright  and  firm  as  a  sentinel  at  his  post.  Whether 
Father  Noah's  exhortation,  to  "behave  like  a  little  man," 
still  influenced  him,  or  whether  he  felt  a  proud  and  instinctive 
consciousness  of  being  in  some  degree  his  aunt's  protector,  he 
manifested  no  sign  of  weariness,  and  never  once  during  the 
day  uttered  a  single  complaint. 

They  dined  and  supped  on  board  the  boat,  the  thoughtful 
Owen  having  secured  seats,  and  recommended  them  to  the 
care  of  one  of  the  waiters,  whom  he  chanced  to  know,  and 
with  whom  he  afterwards  took  his  own  repasts  at  the  second 
table. 

But  although  the  gentle  motion  of  the  boat,  the  comparative 
privacy  of  the  ladies'  cabin,  and  the  respectful  devotion  of  her 
attendant,  contrived  to  render  this  first  day's  experience  satis- 
factory to  Mabel  and  soothing  to  her  anxieties,  the  interval 
between  the  arrival  of  the  party  in  Albany,  and  their  depar- 
ture in  the  night-train  for  Buffalo,  was  replete  with  those 
incidents  which  constitute  the  trials  of  the  traveller,  and  ren- 


336  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

der  journeying  an  uncertain  and  hazardous  experiment.  The 
boat  was  late  at  her  wharf ;  there  was  some  delay  and  diffi- 
culty in  the  distribution  of  baggage ;  noise  and  confusion 
prevailed  in  every  direction,  and  before  Owen  could  collect 
his  own  boxes  and  Mabel's  trunks,  the  carriages,  loaded  with 
passengers  for  the  cars,  had  all  driven  off.  Among  the  coaches 
that  remained,  all  had  one  or  more  occupants  bound  in  a  dif- 
ferent direction,  and  none  of  the  drivers  would  agree  to  reach 
the  station  in  season  for  the  Western  train.  Mabel's  counte- 
nance betrayed  her  agitation  and  alarm,  Alick  looked  piteously 
from  one  rough  face  to  another,  and  Murray,  dimly  compre- 
hending that  something  was  the  matter,  as  usual  began  to 
cry. 

"  Look  here  —  I  say,"  cried  Owen,  catching  a  burly,  round- 
faced  fellow  by  the  button,  and  glancing  significantly  towards 
Mabel,  "  don't  disappoint  that  lady  now,  —  it 's  too  bad,  —  her 
folks  were  hurt,  —  one  on  'em  killed  by  that  bad  accident  last 
week,  —  she 's  a  goin'  out  there  to  her  father,  —  do  n't  you  b  j 
the  means  of  her  losin'  the  train." 

What  a  revulsion  of  feeling  such  an  appeal  will  oftentimes 
produce.  "  Do  tell,"  said  the  man.  "  I^ow  that 's  a  case. 
Hullo,  Sam,  —  haul  those  trunks  up  here,  will  yer?  Give  a 
hand,  boy,  —  her  father"  (in  his  turn,  nodding  at  Mabel,) 
"  was  killed  on  the  cars  last  week.  Look  here,  you,"  speaking 
to  a  gaily  dressed  fop  inside,  who,  seeing  his  valise  uncere- 
moniously thrown  on  to  the  sidewalk,  was  alreacjy  preparing 
to  alight ;  "  this  gentleman,"  (waving  his  hand  towards  Sam) 
"will  take  you  up  to  the  hotel ;  I'm  bound  to  get  these  tother 
folks  down  to  the  Buffalo  cars  ;  in  with  you,  Bub,"  and  he 
lifted  Alick,  basket,  carpet-bag  and  all,  into  the  carriage ; 
Mabel  and  Murray  followed ;  Owen  sprung  up  outside,  and 
they  were  off. 

There  are  few  things  more  trying  to  the  patience,  and  more 
exciting  to  the  nerves,  than  driving  through  the  crowded 
streets  of  a  city,  with  the  apprehension  that  every  moment's 
delay  may  be  fatal  to  one's  hopes.  During  the  ten  minutes 
that  they  were  hurrying  and  rattling  over  the  pavements, 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  337 

Mabel  endeavored  in  vain  to  quiet  her  disturbed  feelings,  and 
strove,  with  equal  want  of  success,  to  soothe  the  weeping  Mur- 
ray, while  Alick  silently  watched  his  aunt's  countenance,  as 
if  it  were  the  dial-plate  of  destiny.  They  were  barely  in  sea- 
son after  all ;  there  was  just  time  for  the  luggage  to  be  thrown 
hastily  on  board,  and  the  last  bell  was  sounding  as  Owen 
entered  a  car,  with  Murray  in  his  arms,  followed  by  Mabel 
and  Alick,  almost  breathless  with  the  haste  they  had  made, 
and  carrying  between  them  the  basket  and  travelling  bag, 
which  Alick  could  not  transport  alone,  but  which  the  sturdy 
boy  wras  unwilling  to  relinquish. 

This  little  incident  served  at  once  to  excite  Mabel's  anxi- 
eties for  the  future,  and  to  impress  her  with  a  sense  of  her 
dependence  on  Owen.  She  felt  sick  at  heart,  as  imagination 
conjured  up  the  possible  disasters  and  delays  which  might 
ensue  before  the  termination  of  the  journey,  and,  as  the  dark- 
ness of  the  night  came  on,  and  a  thick  gloom  settled  over 
every  object,  an  undefined  dread  took  possession  of  her ;  and 
when  Murray  exclaimed  with  convulsive  sobbing,  "Auntie, 
Murray  is  tired,  —  Murray  can't  ride  all  night,"  she  was 
tempted  to  fold  the  child  to  her  bosom,  and  weep  with  him 
over  their  multiplied  misfortunes. 

Her  weakness  was  rebuked,  however,  by  the  confiding  tone 
in  which  Alick  responded  to  his  brother's  complaint,  —  "I 
ain't  tired,  Murray,"  said  he,  —  "I  would  n't  mind  going  any- 
where with  Aunt  Mabel." 

"  I  would,"  said  Murray.     "  I  want  to  go  home." 

"Let  me  take  him  a  little  while,  Miss  Vaughan,"  said 
Owen,  who  had  observed  his  fretfulness  ;  "  I  see  he 's  getting 
pretty  uneasy.  Will  you  come  and  sit  by  me,  Murray  ?  " 

The  child  hesitated,  too  thoroughly  weary  to  have  any  pre- 
ference. 

"  I  '11  coax  the  little  fellow  off  to  sleep,"  said  Owen,  lifting 
him  in  his  strong  arms,  and  bearing  him  to  his  own  seat  at  the 
further  end  of  the  car,  where,  wrapped  hi  a  heavy  pilot-cloth 
coat,  and  with  his  head  resting  on  Owen's  shoulder,  he  soon 
fell  into  a  quiet  slumber.  Two  or  three  hours  passed  away, 
29 


338  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

Alick,  despite  his  efforts  to  the  contrary,  had  fallen  asleep, 
though  still  sitting  as  upright  as  a  grenadier,  and  Mabel  had 
once  or  twice  forgotten  her  anxieties,  and  enjoyed  a  few  mo- 
ments' repose,  when  a  bright  light  shone  in  their  faces,  and 
suddenly  awaking,  they  discovered  that  the  train  was  stopping 
at  a  place  of  some  importance,  if  one  might  judge  by  the 
bustle  which  pervaded  the  platform  in  front  of  the  station. 
Murray,  also,  awakened  by  the  noise  and  lights,  ran  to  his 
aunt,  rubbing  his  eyes,  and  petitioning  for  something  to  eat. 

"  Milk,  too,  Auntie  —  I  must  have  some  milk,"  he  cried,  as 
she  proceeded  to  open  the  luncheon-basket. 

"  No,  Murray,  I  have  no  milk  for  you,"  was  the  reply ;  "  a 
cake  will  do  without  milk,  won't  it  ?  " 

"  I  can  get  him  a  glass  of  milk,  or  some  water,  at  least,  Miss 
Vaughan,"  said  Owen,  who  was  about  to  leave  the  car,  and 
paused  to  offer  his  servic.es.  "The  train  stops  here  five 
minutes  —  plenty  of  time,  Miss.  I  '11  hand  it  in  at  the  win- 
dow." 

"  Take  my  purse,  Owen,"  said  Mabel,  "  and  pay  for  it,  if 
you  please." 

The  milk  was  brought  to  the  window  in  a  pitcher.  Owen 
had  a  tumbler  in  his  hand,  and  all  were  by  turns  refreshed 
with  the  sweet  and  wholesome  beverage.  There  was  still  a 
moment  or  two  of  delay  at  the  station  —  ample  time  for  the 
young  man  to  return,  pay  for  the  milk,  and  take  his  place  in 
the  cars.  Still,  the  bell  rang,  and  the  train  proceeded  on  its 
way  without  his  having  made  his  appearance.  Mabel  looked 
back  with  some  anxiety,  but  supposing  that  he  had  entered  a 
rear  car  and  would  soon  make  his  way  to  them,  she  did  not 
feel  any  positive  alarm  and  was  therefore  wholly  taken  by 
surprise  when  a  few  moments  after,  the  conductor,  as  he  passed 
with  his  lantern  in  hand,  held  it  up  to  her  face  and  said  inquir- 
ingly, "  Was  n't  that  young  fellow  in  the  pilot-cloth  coat  with 
you,  ma  'am  ?  " 

"  Yes,"  answered  Mabel.     «  Why  ?  " 

"  He  got  left  behind  at  the  last  station,"  said  the  man  coolly. 

"  Got  left ! "  exclaimed  Mabel,  repeating  his  words  in  aston- 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  339 

ishment  and  fright,  while  Alick  groaned  aloud  and  Murray  set 
up  a  shrill  and  prolonged  cry. 

"  Yes,  they  took  some  of  his  boxes  out  there  by  mistake,  go 
the  baggage-master  says,  and  he  caught  sight  of  'em  and  sprung 
off  the  platform  just  as  we'  were  starting." 

"  Could  n't  you  stop  for  him  ? "  asked  Mabel,  in  a  tone  of 
mingled  appeal  and  reproach. 

"  Could  n't,  no  how,"  said  the  man,  though  speaking  in  a  tone 
of  regret.  "We're  behind  our  time  now.  If  there's  any 
mistake  it  ain't  our  fault;  he  couldn't  have  had  his  things 
marked  right  in  Albany.  He  '11  come  on  to-morrow,  I  reckon." 

"  To-morrow,"  thought  Mabel,  "  but  where  shall  we  be  by 
that  time  ?  "  And  at  the  same  instant  the  remembrance  flashed 
upon  her  that  lie  was  in  possession  of  her  purse,  containing  all 
the  money  she  had  in  the  world. 

"  What  shall  I  do  ?  "  was  the  involuntary  exclamation  which 
burst  from  her  lips  as,  trembling  with  agitation,  she  started  up 
impulsively,  then  in  a  despairing  manner  sank  back  into  her 
seat. 

"  Can 't  we  go  on  without  him,  Auntie  ?  "  asked  Alick  anx- 
iously, while  Murray  continued  to  cry,  loudly  threatening,  amid 
his  sobs,  to  "  beat  fhat  old  conductor,  and  make  him  go  back 
for  Owen." 

"  Oh,  I  do  n't  know,  Alick.  what  we  shall  do,"  said  Mabel,  the 
self-command  which  she  had  hitherto  maintained  in  the  presence 
of  the  children  forsaking  her  at  this  unforeseen  crisis. 

The  interest  and  compassion  of  the  other  passengers  were 
evidently  awakened.  Many  outstretched  forms  were  suddenly 
raised  from  a  recumbent  position,  and  many  sleepy  eyes  turned 
in  the  direction  of  our  little  group  of  travellers,  while  a  murmur 
of  inquiry  and  response  ran  through  the  car.  The  conductor, 
however,  had  passed  hastily  out  with  his  lantern,  and  as  the 
feeble  and  expiring  light  from  an  ill-trimmed  lamp  above 
afforded  little  satisfaction  to  curiosity,  most  of  the  weary  com- 
pany soon  subsided  into  their  former  dreamy  state  of  uncon 
sciousness. 


340  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

"  God  will  take  care  of  us,  Auntie,"  said  Alick,  in  a  comfort- 
ing tone ;  "  that  old  minister  said  so,  and  I  believe  him." 

"  So  do  I/'  answered  Mabel,  drawing  -  both  the  children  as 
closely  to  her  as  possible,  and  feeling,  for  the  second  time, 
rebuked  by  Alick's  child-like  faith  —  first  in  her,  and  now  in  a 
higher  power. 

At  the  same  instant,  a  voice  proceeding  from  the  seat  directly 
behind  them,  addressed  Mabel  in  a  tone  of  gentle  but  earnest 
inquiry.  "  I  have  been  asleep,  my  dear ;  but,  if  I  understand 
right,  your  servant  has  got  left  at  Utica." 

"  Not  my  servant,  except  by  free-will,  ma  'am,"  answered 
Mabel,  her  face  as  she  turned  being  brought  close  to  that  of 
the  person  who  was  leaning  forward  to  speak  to  her,  but  whose 
features  were  undistinguishable  in  the  dim  light. 

"  Oh,  I  was  mistaken,  then,"  said  the  lady,  apologetically.  "  I 
only  judged  from  appearances,  when  you  came  into  the  car  at 
dusk." 

"  Yes,  ma  'am,  it  is  not  strange,"  said  Mabel ;  "  I  do  n't 
wonder  at  it,  he  was  so  kind  to  the  boys  and  so  civil  to  me. 
He  was  a  good  friend,  and  we  depended  upon  him,  and  now, 
—  now  —  " 

Her  voice  choked ;  she  could  not  go  on/ 

The  old  lady — for  the  stranger  was  advanced  in  years — 
quietly  rose,  came  forward,  and  taking  the  seat  beside  Mabel 
from  which  Alick  had  risen  in  the  moment  of  excitement,  said 
kindly,  "  And  do  you  need  a  friend  now,  my  dear  ?  " 

Mabel  could  not  answer  except  by  putting  her  hand  into  that 
of  the  old  lady,  who  pressed  it  tenderly. 

"  Little  brothers  ?  "  said  she,  drawing  Alick  toward  her,  and 
gently  soothing  Murray  with  the  words,  "  Poor  boy !  there, 
do  n't  cry ! " 

"  She  's  our  auntie,"  said  Alick,  proudly. 

"  And  where 's  mamma?  " 

"  She 's  gone  to  another  world,"  answered  Murray,  promptly. 

"  She  died  last  Saturday,"  whispered  Alick. 

Their  new  friend  uttered  an  exclamation  of  pity,  and,  grieved 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  341 

at  the  result  of  her  natural  inquiry,  forbore  all  further  ques- 
tioning. 

"  Poor  little  fellows !  you  must  both  be  tired,"  said  she. 
"  Come,  I  will  put  you  to  bed."  And  rising,  she  beckoned  to 
a  woman  just  behind  them,  and  with  her  assistance  proceeded 
to  carry  her  purpose  into  execution.  "  Do  n't  stir ;  we  will 
make  them  very  comfortable,"  she  added,  as  Mabel  proposed 
to  assist  her.  And  taking  advantage  of  some  vacant  seats 
opposite,  she  spread  upon  them  her  own  and  the  woman's  sur- 
plus supply  of  shawk,  and  in  a  few  moments  the  exhausted 
children  were  disposed  of  for  the  rest  of  the  night 

"  My  child,  you  have  seen  trouble,  I  fear/'  said  the  benevo- 
lent lady,  as,  resuming  her  seat  by  Mabel,  she  passed  one  arm 
round  the  young  girl's  waist,  and  drew  her  head  upon  her 
shoulder. 

Mabel  had  in  some  degree  steeled  herself  against  the  hard- 
ships and  trials  which  she  might  encounter,  but  this  unexpected 
kindness  wholly  overpowered  her ;  the  floodgates  of  her  soul 
were  opened,  and  her  tears  poured  forth  like  rain.  Her  judi- 
cious comforter  did  not  attempt  to  restrain  her.  She  well 
knew  the  relief  it  sometimes  is  to  weep,  and  without  interrupt- 
ing her  by  a  word,  suffered  her  feelings  to  have  vent. 

"Lie  still, dear,"  said  she,  as  Mabel,  having  at  length  become 
more  composed,  made  a  movement  to  sit  upright. 

"  You  are  very  good ;  but  I  shall  fatigue  and  distress 
you." 

"  Do  not  disturb  yourself  on  my  account,"  was  the  reply. 
"  I  only  require  a  few  hours  sleep,  and  I  have  had  that  already. 
I  want  to  see  you  take  some  rest." 

" Oh,  I  cannot  sleep,"  said  Mabel,  "I  am  too  unhappy." 

"  Perhaps  I  can  help  you,"  said  the  old  lady.  "  There  are 
two  sides  to  trouble,  —  let  us  try  and  look  at  the  bright  side." 

"  I  never  gave  up  so  before,"  said  Mabel,  "  and  I  know  I 
ought  not  to  now,  but  this  seemed  too  much." 

u  Was  this  young  man  so  essential  to  you,  then,  that  you 
cannot  get  on  without  him  ?  " 

"  He  was  very  considerate  and  kind,"  said  Mabel.     u  1  shall 


342  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

miss  him,  and  so  will  the  boys;  but  that  is  not  the  worst,  —  he 
has  got  all  ray  money.  I  gave  him  my  purse  to  pay  for  some 
milk  for  the  children  just  before  he  left  the  cars." 

"  Well,  that  is  bad,"  said  the  old  lady,  "  but  not  beyond  rem- 
edy. How  far  are  you  expecting  to  travel  ?  " 

Mabel  named  the  town  and  county  in  the  eastern  part  of 
Illinois,  which  were  her  destination. 

"  And  you  were  to  take  the  steamer  at  Buffalo  ?  " 

"  Yes,  to-morrow  night." 

"  There  is  no  boat  until  the  night  following,"  said  the  old 
lady,  confidently.  "  I  have  made  particular  inquiries,  as  I  am 
to  pursue  the  same  route  myself.  So  you  see  Owen  will  have 
time  to  join  you,  and,  meanwhile,  you  shall  be  under  my  care ; 
and  afterwards,  too,"  added  she,  "  if  you  can  feel  confidence  in 
an  old  lady  who  is  a  stranger  to  you,  but  who  has  seen  much 
of  the  world,  and  is  an  experienced  traveller." 

Mabel  thanked  her  heartily  in  her  own  name  and  the  chil- 
dren's. 

"  Do  not  thank  me,"  said  her  kind  friend,  "  the  benefit  will 
be  mutual.  I  am  fond  of  young  people,  and  glad  to  be  of  use  in 
the  world.  If  my  three  score  years  and  ten  can  afford  you 
comfort  and  protection,  then  I  have  not  grown  old  in  vain." 

"  Oh,  I  cannot  tell  you  the  relief  it  will  be,  if  you  will  only 
let  me  keep  within  sight  of  you,"  exclaimed  Mabel,  eagerly. 
Then,  as  she  recalled  the  lady's  previous  allusion  to  her  being 
a  stranger,  she  added,  with  simple  candor,  at  the  same  time 
lifting  her  head,  and  speaking  with  great  earnestness,  "  But 
you  are  very  good,  ma'am,  to  feel  confidence  in  me.  It  must 
seem  strange  to  you  that  I  should  be  travelling  so  far,  with  the 
charge  of  these  children,  and  dependent  myself  upon  a  young 
man  who  is  not  of  my  own  station  in  life." 

"  Yes,  a  little  singular,  perhaps,"  answered  the  lady,  "  but  no 
more  so  than  many  things  which  admit  of  easy  explanation;  or, 
even  if  I  were  still  left  to  wonder  at  the  circumstance,  it  would 
not  deter  me  from  offering  my  aid  to  one  who  seems  to  need 
it." 

"May  I  tell  you  how  it  happened?"  asked  Mabel. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  343 

"  Certainly,  my  child,  if  you  please  to  do  so.  Tell  me  any- 
thing that  you  feel  willing  to  confide  to  one  old  enough  to  be  a 
safe,  but  not  too  old  to  be  a  sympathizing  friend." 

Thus  encouraged,  Mabel  suffered  her  head  to  drop  once 
more  upon  the  shoulder  of  the  tall  and  strongly-framed,  though 
venerable  lady,  and  in  the  darkness  of  the  night,  and  amid  the 
hush  which  prevailed  among  the  sleepers  who  were  stretched 
around,  she  poured  into  her  willing  ear,  in  a  low  and  broken 
voice,  the  story  of  her  recent  family  bereavements,  and  the 
sufferings,  responsibilities,  and  perplexities,  which  had  ensued. 
Her  bitterest  griefs  and  anxieties  were  such,  indeed,  as  can  be 
breathed  only  in  the  ear  of  Heaven,  but  the  partial  revelation 
which  she  made  was  enough  and  more  than  enough  to  excite 
all  the  tender  compassion  of  her  aged  friend,  as  was  evident 
from  the  gentle  expressions  of  condolence  which  escaped  her, 
and  the  affectionate  solicitude  with  which  she  drew  a  cloak 
round  the  weary  girl,  and  now  and  then  pressed  her  closer  to 
her  side.  So  sweet,  indeed,  was  this  welcome  assurance  of 
protection  and  sympathy,  that,  at  length,  the  tale  being  ended, 
and  the  aching  heart,  in  some  measure,  relieved  of  its  burden, 
tired  nature  asserted  its  claims,  and  a  soft  and  refreshing  sleep 
stole  over  Mabel's  senses. 

It  was  daylight  when  she  awoke.  The  sun  was  streaming 
through  the  car ;  most  of  the  passengers  were  sitting  bolt  up- 
right in  their  seats,  their  firm  attitudes  seeming  to  defy  any  one 
who  should  accuse  them  of  having  slept  a  wink  on  the  journey; 
and  the  whole  scene  was  so  different  from  that  which  had  pre- 
vailed a  few  hours  before,  that  Mabel  could  not  for  a  moment 
realize  where  she  was,  or  whether  the  events  of  the  previous 
night  had  not  all  been  a  dream.  There  could  be  nothing 
imaginary,  however,  in  the  friendly  shoulder  on  which  her 
aead  was  comfortably  pillowed,  nor  could  anything  be  more 
kind  and  cordial  than  the  smile  which  reassured  her,  as  start- 
ing up,  .she  suddenly  exclaimed,  "  Why,  how  long  I  have  lain 
here  !  How  I  must  have  tired  you  ! " 

"  No,  you   have  not  tired  me  in  the  least.     I  am  rejoiced 


344  MABEL    VADGHAN. 

that  you  have  slept  so  long.  How  do  you  feel  this  morning, 
my  dear  ?  " 

But  Mabel  did  not  seem  to  heed  the  kind  inquiry.  Her 
eyes  were  fixed  earnestly  on  the  face  of  her  new  friend,  while 
a  glow  of  pleasure  radiated  her  features.  There  could  be  no 
mistaking  that  benevolent  countenance,  that  dignified  form, 
those  silver  curls  peeping  from  the  snowy  fluting  of  the  widow's 
cap,  above  all,  that  cheering  and  animating  smile ;  and,  snatch- 
ing the  hand  of  the  good  lady,  Mabel  pressed  it  to  her  lip>, 
exclaiming,  "You  are  not  a  stranger  after  all!  I  have  seen 
you  before.  You  are  Mrs.  Abraham  Percival ! " 

"  Do  you  know  me,  then  ?  "  was  the  reply.  "  That  is  pleas- 
ant. I  have  been  studying  your  face,  my  dear,  and  thought 
it  seemed  familiar,  but  you  must  help  my  memory  a  little.  I 
cannot  recall  the  name." 

"Mabel  Vnughan  ;  but  perhaps  you  have  never  heard  the 
whole  name." 

Madam  Percival  shook  her  head.  "  No,"  said  she,  afu.-r  a 
moment's  thought,  "  never ;  but  I  once  knew  a  Miss  Vaughan, 
possibly  a  relative  of  yours.  She  must  be  somewhat  advanced 
if  she  is  still  living,  which  I  presume  to  be  the  case,  as  I  ex- 
changed cards  with  her  in  New  York  last  winter,  though  we 
had  not  the  pleasure  of  meeting.  We  used  to  call  her  Sabiah, 
in  her  younger  days." 

"  My  aunt,"  faltered  Mabel,  a  new  light  dawning  upon  her 
in  reference  to  the  memorable  visit,  which  had,  as  it  proved, 
been  so  wholly  misinterpreted. 

"Ah!  then  you  are  a  daughter  of  her  brother  John.  You 
see,"  added  she,  with  her  winning  smile,  "  we  old-fashioned 
folks  arc  always  acquainted  with  the  family  tree  ;  however,  I 
lived  in  your  father's  native  town  some  years;  I  was  an  assist- 
ant teacher  in  the  village  academy,  and  your  aunt  was  one  of 
my  pupils." 

'•  Was  she,  indeed  ?  "  >aid  Mabel,  with  interest.  "  Dear 
aunt  Sabiah,  how  she  would  like  to  see  you  !" 

"  I  was  in  hopes  to  revive  our  acquaintance  last  winter," 
said  Madam  Percival.  "  I  have  alwavs  continued  to  foci  au 


MABEL   VAUGHAN.  345 

interest  in  your  aunt,  and  as  I  happened  to  learn  her  address 
in  New  York,  through  one  of  her  village  friends,  I  took  an 
early  opportunity  to  call;  but  I  think  it  probable  she  has 
nearly  or  wholly  forgotten  me,  or  perhaps  would  only  recog- 
nize me  by  my  maiden  name." 

"  She  never  knew  of  your  visit,"  said  Mabel,  with  a  blush 
of  mortification,  "  she  never  had  a  chance  to  know.  I  had  the 
vanity  to  take  it  to  myself,  and  I  was  the  Miss  Vaughan  who 
left  a  card  at  your  door.  Ofr,  how  sorry  I  am  ! " 

A  shade  of  disappointment  passed  over  Madam  Percival's 
countenance  also,  for  a  moment,  then  she  exclaimed  quickly,  as 
if  anxious  to  relieve  Mabel's  evident  regret,  "It  was  very 
natural,  however.  Your  aunt  probably  lived  a  retired  life." 

"  Yes,  very,"  said  Mabel,  u  but  she  would  have  been  so  glad 
to  see  you." 

"  Ah,  well ! "  said  Madam  Percival,  "  do  not  lament  it  too 
seriously,  my  child.  Time  has  made  great  changes  with  us 
both,  and  the  meeting  might  not  have  been  wholly  pleasurable. 
But  tell  me,  my  dear,  where  it  is  that  I  have  seen  your  face 
before." 

Mabel  named  the  occasion. 

"  Yes,  indeed,  I  remember  now,"  said  Madam  Percival,  with 
evident  pleasure  in  the  recollection.  "You  were  my  grand- 
son's partner,  in  the  country-dance.  Ah !  that  was  a  'pleasant 
evening.  We  all  enjoyed  it  much." 

This  reference  to  her  own  enjoyment,  and  that  of  her 
friends,  led  Mabel  to  speak  in  grateful  terms  of  one  of  their 
number,  the  good  clergyman,  to  whom  she  was  so  much  in- 
debted. Madam  Percival  was  deeply  interested  by  the  young 
girl's  narrative  of  his  deeds  of  Christian  charity,  and  by  the 
time  it  was  concluded,  the  boys  awoke,  eager  to  make  an  attack 
upon  the  luncheon.  Madam  Percival  left  room  for  the  children 
beside  their  aunt,  by  herself  returning  to  the  seat  next  the 
female  attendant,  who  was  the  companion  of  her  journey,  and 
for  some  hours  the  ordinary  events  of  travelling  succeeded. 

"  We  shall  soon  be  in  Buffalo,  my  dear,"  said  Madam  Perci- 


346  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

val  at  length,  leaning  forward  and  laying  her  hand  on  Mabel's 
shoulder,  to  attract  her  attention. 

Mabel,  thus  suddenly  roused  from  a  sad  and  painful  reverie, 
into  which  she  had  fallen,  a  train  of  thought  superinduced  no 
doubt  by  the  disclosures  and  coincidences  of  the  morning, 
started,  turned,  and  said,  in  an  abstracted  manner,  "  Yes,  and 
what  shall  we  do  then  ?  " 

"  Whatever  you  like,  my  poor,  tried  child ;  you  need  rest 
and  refreshment  for  body  and  mind.  I  was  thinking  where 
W  could  best  find  it?" 

"  Wherever  you  please,"  said  Mabel.  "  I  shall  be  only  too 
contented  and  thankful  to  stay  with  you." 

"  Have  you  ever  been  to  Niagara  ?  " 

"  Never,  ma'am,"  answered  Mabel,  with  a  slight  tremulous- 
ness  in  her  voice,  at  the  mention  of  a  spot  she  had  once  so 
yearned  to  visit,  but  which  was  now  associated  with  many  a 
bitter  memory. 

"  We  shall  have  twenty-four  hours  to  spare  before  the  steam 
boat  leaves,"  said  Madam  Percival.  "I  have  consulted  my 
little  friend  here  (and  she  tapped  with  her  spectacles  the  rail- 
road guide  which  she  held  in  her  hand),  and  find  that  we  can, 
if  we  choose,  proceed  directly  to  Niagara,  and  remain  there 
until  within  a  few  hours  of  the  boat's  sailing."  It  will  be  an 
uncomfortable  night  in  the  city.  I  am  well  known  at  the  Cata- 
ract House,  and  we  shall  be  sure  of  every  outward  comfort,  to 
say  nothing  of  the  inexpressible  pleasure  of  having  a  glimpse 
at  the  Falls.  Do  you  like  the  plan  ?  " 

"I  don't  know,"  said  Mabel,  hesitating.  "I  would  rather 
you  should  decide." 

"  You  can  scarcely  be  expected  to  have  any  preference  under 
the  circumstances,  my  dear,"  said  Madam  Percival,  laying  her 
hand  anxiously  on  Mabel's  flushed  cheek,  "but  I  am  convinced 
there  could  be  no  better  prescription  for  you  than  the  one  I  recom- 
mend. The  boys  require  rest  and  fresh  cool  air  to  invigorate 
them  after  the  journey,  but  you  need  something  more;  it  is  the 
tired  heart  and  brain  which  sends  this  feverish  blood  to  your 
cheek,  rather  than  any  physical  fatigue,  though  you  have  had 


MABEL   VAUGHAN.  347 

your  share  of  that.  You  are  my  guests  for  the  present,  —  my 
adopted  children  I  would  say,  —  and  so  I  feel  myself  at  liberty 
to  study  your  wants,  and  endeavor  to  supply  them.  Besides," 
added  she,  with  a  persuasive  smile  and  tone,  which  made  it 
almost  appear  that  she  was  begging,  instead  of  conferring  a 
favor,  "  we  old  folks,  who  pride  ourselves  on  our  experience, 
love  to  try  our  favorite  remedies ;  so,  if  you  leave  the  decision 
to  me,  we  will  keep  on  to  Niagara,  and  risk  the  additional 
fatigue  in  consideration  of  the  benefits  we  hope  to  derive  from 
the  effort." 

Comprehending  at  once  the  disinterestedness  of  this  scheme 
to  divert  her  troubled  mind  from  the  contemplation  of  its  sor- 
rows, Mabel  hastened  to  deprecate  the  idea  of  her  aged  friend's 
incurring  any  unnecessary  fatigue  on  her  account ;  but  Madam 
Percival  assured  her  that  she  never  suffered  from  the  effects 
of  travelling,  and  that  in  the  present  case,  the  necessity  for  one 
day's  delay  rendered  the  temptation  to  visit  the  Falls  irresisti- 
ble, apart  from  the  satisfaction  it  would  be  to  introduce  her 
young  friends  to  one  of  the  grandest  wonders  of  nature,  in 
which,  as  Americans,  they  had  all  a  common  birthright. 

So  the  excursion  was  determined  on ;  and  night  found  them 
established  in  a  comfortable  hotel,  where,  within  hearing  of  the 
roar  of  the  mighty  cataract,  they  all  experienced  the  welcome 
refreshment  and  repose  which  weary  travellers  crave. 


CHAPTER    XXX, 

My  soul  were  dark 

But  for  the  golden  light  and  rainbow  hue 
That,  sweeping  heaven  with  their  triumphal  arc, 

Break  on  the  view. 

Enough  to  feel 

That  God  indeed  is  good  !  enough  to  know 
Without  the  gloomy  clouds  he  could  reveal 

No  beauteous  bow. 

WILLIAM  CJIOSWELL. 

AT  an  early  hour,  the  next  morning,  a  pleasant  voice  was 
heard  outside  Mabel's  door,  saying,  softly,  "  Are  you  awake, 
my  dear  ?  "  and  was  answered  by  Mabel's  presenting  herself, 
already  dressed  and  equipped  for  going  out. 

"  You  are  on  the  alert,  I  see,"  said  Madam  Percival,  who 
also  wore  her  bonnet  and  shawl,  as  if  prepared  for  a  walk. 
"  I  thought  I  heard  your  step  in  the  room,  or  I  would  not 
have  disturbed  you.  How  have  you  slept  ?  " 

"  Very  soundly  until  daylight ;  but  then  I  awoke,  and,  hear- 
ing the  noise  of  the  Falls,  could  not  resist  going  out  to  see 
them  before  breakfast." 

"  Ah,  you  are  a  girl  after  my  own  heart,"  said  Madam  Per- 
cival, drawing  Mabel's  arm  through  hers.  "  I  have  left  word 
with  my  woman,  Mrs.  Patten,  to  go  in  and  attend  to  the 
children's  wants,  whenever  they  awake,  so  you  need  feel  no 
anxiety  about  them ; "  and  the  old  and  the  young  lady  left  the 
hotel  together. 

"  This  is  the  direction  leading  to  the  bridge  over  the  rapids," 
said  Madam  Percival,  when  they  had  gained  a  side  street. 
"  I  see  an  old  acquaintance  of  mine  —  that  Indian  woman,  just 
opening  her  little  store  of  wares  over  opposite  —  she  knows 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  349 

me  ; "  and  Madarn  Percival  bowed  in  kindly  recognition  to  the 
dusky  squaw,  whose  face  was  full  of  eagerness.  "  I  must  go 
and  speak  to  her.  Do  not  wait  for  me  ;  I  will  overtake  you." 
Thus  speaking,  Madam  Percival  crossed  the  road  leading  to 
the  bridge,  and  Mabel  proceeded  alone.  ^ 

How  tumultuous  and  how  mingled  was  the  rushing  tide  of 
thought  which  assailed  her  during  that  short,  lonely  walk! 
The  time,  the  place,  the  solitude  —  how  suggestive  were  they 
all !  How  many  of  her  childhood's  hopes,  her  girlish  anticipa- 
tions had  centred  around  Niagara !  How  fondly  had  she  looked 
forward  to  this  fulfilment  of  her  early  dreams !  How  little 
had  she  foreseen  the  cruel  chain  of  circumstances  which  had 
brought  her  to  the  spot  at  last,  disappointed,  forsaken,  and 
bereaved.  A  moment  more,  and,  in  the  stillness  of  the  morn- 
ing, for  the  sun  had  not  yet  risen,  she  found  herself  alone  on 
the  bridge,  beneath  which  flowed  the  angry  torrent.  Panting 
from  exercise,  breathless  with  her  own  agitating  reflections,  and 
dumb  with  astonishment  and  awe,  she  stood,  with  parted  lips, 
gazing  up  that  gigantic  slope,  down  which,  in  wild  and  frantic 
speed,  the  waters  were  hastening  to  their  fearful  plunge. 
Whence  came  they  and  whither  did  they  go  —  those  mad, 
triumphant  waves — which,  scorning  all  opposition  and  beating 
down  all  obstacles,  seemed  like  the  very  messengers  of  doom  ! 
An  instinctive  dread  took  possession  of  Mabel's  mind,  as,  gazing 
long  and  fixedly  at  these  witnesses  .  to  God's  power  and 
majesty,  she  saw  in  them  types  of  those  recent  events  which, 
bearing  down  like  a  mighty  flood  and  overwhelming  her  be- 
neath a  torrent  of  trouble,  had  left  her  to  struggle  helplessly 
with  the  current.  "  All  thy  waves  and  thy  billows  have  gone 
over  me,  great  God,"  she  exclaimed  aloud,  at  length  withdraw- 
ing her  gaze  from  a  scene  whose  sublime  and  solemn  grandeur 
was,  to  the  excited  girl,  almost  lost  in  a  nervous  sense  of  terror. 

Then,  as  the  roar  still  continued  sounding  in  her  ears,  an 
irresistible  impulse  seized  her  to  hasten  on  and  witness  the  end, 
which,  at  present,  she  could  image  to  herself  only  as  a  dire 
catastrophe ;  and,  as  if  fearful  that,  by  a  moment's  delay,  she 
should  lose  something  of  the  aAvful  spectacle  which  she  half 
30 


350  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

longed,  half  dreaded  to  behold,  she  commenced  running,  and, 
without  pausing  to  take  breath,  continued  at  the  same  rapid 
pace  until  she  suddenly  gained  an  elevated  point,  where,  at  a 
glance,  she  could  discern  the  two  rival  divisions  of  the  far- 
famed  cataract.  She  gazed  for  an  instant  only,  at  the  dark 
and  angry  waters,  on  which  the  sun,  now  just  below  the  verge 
of  the  horizon,  had  not  yet  shed  his  beams,  and  which,  as  they 
plunged  down  the  fearful  vortex,  seemed  to  her  bewildered 
senses  to  utter  only  a  message  of  stern  and  angry  wrath ;  then 
throwing  herself  on  the  ground,  with  her  face  hid  against  a 
huge  overhanging  rock,  she  burst  into  a  fit  of  passionate  and 
uncontrollable  weeping.  Her  excited  feelings  having  thus 
found  vent,  however,  and  her  strained  nerves  being  relieved  by 
this  free  and  natural  outburst,  she  soon  became  more  calm,  and 
at  length  lay  quite  still,  listening,  without  terror,  to  the  roar 
of  the  waters,  when,  suddenly,  she  heard,  close  beside  her,  in 
measured  and  familiar  accents,  the  solemn  words, —  "  And  I 
heard,  as  it  were,  the  voice  of  a  great  multitude,  and  as  the 
voice  of  many  waters,  and  as  the  voice  of  mighty  thunderings, 
saying,  Alleluia  :  for  the  Lord  God  omnipotent  reigneth." 

There  was  a  pause ;  then  a  long-drawn  sigh  escaped  Mabel, 
and  attracted  the  attention  of  Madam  Percival,  who  had  not 
until  then  perceived  her. 

"  What !  are  you  here  before  me,  and  in  my  favorite  spot,  my 
child  ?  "  exclaimed  she ;  then  seeing  the  despairing  attitude  and 
covered  face  of  Mabel,  and  at  once  conjecturing  that,  in  the 
weak  state  of  her  nervous  system,  she  had  been  overcome  by 
the  scene,  she  sat  down  beside  her  and  said,  in  a  self-reproving 
tone,  "  All  !  I  should  not  have  let  you  come  here  alone." 

"  It  frightens  me/'  said  Mabel,  with  a  shudder.  "  I  should 
not  have  minded  the  fall  so  much, — but  those  dreadful  rapids!" 
and  again  a  slight  shudder  passed  over  her  frame.  "  It  seemed 
as  if  everything  were  pouring  down  at  once  just  as — just  as"  — 

"Just  as  trouble  comes  upon  us  poor  mortals,  you  would  say, 
my  dear." 

"  Yes,  I  could  not  help  thinking  of  myself." 

-;  I  have  often  had  the  same  thought,"  said  Madam  Percival, 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  351 

soothingly  ;  "  but  I  have  also  found  here  a  lesson  of  faith  and 
hope,  which  has  fortified  me  in  the  hour  of  trouble,  and  which 
I  trusted  you  would  have  learned  here,  too.  Often  are  we 
borne  through  the  rushing  waves  of  anxiety,  suspense,  and 
pain,  and  plunged  at  last  down  the  gulf  of  a  mighty  sorrow  ; 
but  let  us  not  be  faithless  or  despairing.  He  who  has  meted 
out  the  bounds  of  the  earth  has  said  to  human  suffering,  as  to 
the  mighty  torrent,  'Thus  far  shalt  thou  go  and  no  farther;' 
and  even  amid  the  shock  of  a  great  calamity,  we  know  that 
the  raging  torrent  of  affliction  is  spanned  by  the  rainbow  of 
His  love.  Look  up,  my  dear,  look  up." 

Mabel  lifted  her  head  quickly,  as  her  attention  was  thus 
earnestly  claimed,  and  above  the  watery  abyss,  which  a  few 
moments  before  had  been  so  dark  and  fearful,  a  glorious  rain- 
bow danced  and  quivered  in  the  beams  of  the  newly-risen  sun ; 
and,  as  the  glittering  spray  caught  and  reflected  the  rays  of 
light  in  new  forms  of  radiance,  another  and  another  brilliant 
arch  stretched  its  graceful  curve  across  the  foaming  flood. 

A  smile  of  joy  flashed  out  from  Mabel's  face,  effecting  in  it 
a  transformation  scarcely  less  striking  than  that  which  had  so 
suddenly  been  wrought  in  the  face  of  nature ;  she  clasped  her 
hands,  and  stood  for  some  moments  in  a  rapt  and  serene 
silence. 

Madam  Percival  watched  the  play  of  her  features  with 
affectionate  interest ;  and,  as  the  anxious  and  troubled  expres- 
sion of  her  countenance  was  gradually  superseded  by  the  glow 
of  a  Heavenly  peace,  she  said  in  a  low  and  fervent  tone, 
"  Ah !  my  child,  it  is  only  when  the  light  of  the  Sun  of  Right- 
eousness comes  to  illumine  our  darkened  hearts,  that  we  can 
comprehend  the  love  of  Him  who  is  continually  confirming  his 
ancient  promise  —  "It  shall  come  to  pass  when  I  bring  a 
cloud  over  the  earth,  that  the  bow  shall  be  seen  in  the  cloud." 

"I  have  realized  it  many  times,"  said  Mabel,  eagerly ;  "I 
realize  it  now." 

"  It  is  shining  in  your  "face,  my  love,"  said  Madam  Percival. 
"  Come,  let  us  go  back  to  the  hotel,  and  cheer  with  it  the  little 


352  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

orphan  hearts  which  must  look  to  you  henceforward  to  be  the 
sunshine  of  their  lives. 

"Is  it  not  grand?  is  it  not  encouraging  and  ennobling?"  said 
Madam  Percival,  when,  some  hours  later,  they  sat  together  on 
the  flat  surface  of  Table  Rock,  watching  the  gigantic  waters 
of  the  Horse  Shoe  Fall.  "In  the  course  of  a  long  life,  I 
have  visited  this  spot  many  times,  and  I  have  invariably  gone 
away  refreshed  and  strengthened,  as  if  I  had  been  listening  to 
the  voice  of  a  sacred  oracle.  Especially  when  the  chastening 
of  God's  providence  was  heavy  upon  me,  have  I  been  cheered 
by  this  glorious  proclamation  of  the  truth,  that  His  power 
goes  hand  in  hand  with  His  love." 

"I  cannot  thank  you  enough  for  bringing  me  here,"  said 
Mabel ; —  "it  is  a  remembrance  for  a  life-time." 

"  I  confess,"  said  the  old  lady,  "  my  first  thought  was  merely 
to  divert  your  mind  from  dwelling  too  fixedly  on  your  recent 
trials.  I  did  not  realize  how  fully  you  were  open  to  impres- 
sions from  nature.  Now  I  cannot  be  too  thankful  for  the 
prompting  which  bade  me  lead  you  to  this  school  of  high 
thoughts  and  noble  purposes.  God  grant,  my  child,  that  your 
young  life,  sanctified  by  the  divine  blessing,  may  flow  on  in  as 
strong,  deep,  and  tranquil  a  current,  as  that  of  this  noble  river, 
whose  waters,  henceforward,  with  only  now  and  then  a  tempo- 
rary interruption,  sweep  calmly  on  to  the  eternal  ocean.  You, 
indeed,  need  moral  courage  and  strength,  my  child,  for  it  is  a 
noble  mission  which  you  have  before  you." 

"  You  mean  the  care  of  the  children,"  said  Mabel,  observing 
that  Madam  Percival's  eye  was  fixed  upon  the  boys,  who  were 
playing  at  a  little  distance  ?  " 

"  Yes,  —  the  training  of  these  young  minds  and  hearts  is 
an  office  of  true  dignity  and  greatness,  and  one  in  which  you 
have  all  my  sympathy.  I,  too,  have  educated  boys,  and  my 
work  is  not  yet  finished.  If  I  read  those  little  fellows'  charac- 
ters aright,  your  responsibility  is  as  great  as  your  influence  is 
unbounded.  That  eldest  child  loves  you  with  a  devotion  which 
}  have  rarely  seen  equalled  in  one  of  his  years.  It  is  through 
that  love  that  he  must  learn  to  cherish  those  universal  sym- 


MABEL    V  A  UGH  AN.  353 

pathies,  in  which  I  suspect  him  to  be  deficient,  and  that  happy, 
affectionate,  beautiful,  spoiled  plaything  yonder,  who  is  at  this 
moment  attracting  the  attention  of  strangers,  will  develope 
impulses  and  propensities  of  so  wide  a  range,  that  all  the  ardor 
of  his  nature  must  be  early  taught  to  concentrate  itself  on  the 
pure,  the  elevated,  and  the  good.  Remember,  my  dear,  that 
your  counsels  may  rule  in  many  generations  of  hearts,  and,  if 
the  thought  will  add  sanctity  to  your  office,  cherish  the  belief 
that  the  principles  you  instil,  may  help  to  mould  the  future 
fortunes  of  this  free  republic." 

A  shade  of  earnest  thought  and  holy  resolution  was  stamped 
on  Mabel's  attentive  face,  as,  with  her  eyes  intently  fixed  on 
the  children,  she  listened  to  the  solemn  charge  of  her  experi- 
enced and  venerable  friend.  It  would  have  been  difficult  to 
pronounce  which  was  the  nobler  countenance  of  the  two ;  that 
of  the  benevolent  and  Christian  matron  who  thus  uttered  the 
words  of  warning  and  of  wisdom,  or  that  of  the  enthusiastic 
and  truth-loving  girl,  into  whose  heart  they  sunk  with  a  deep 
and  lasting  power.  Madam  Percival  gazed  into  the  earnest 
face  of  Mabel,  and  her  heart  warmed  anew  towards  her,  as 
she  read  in  every  expressive  feature  a  hopeful  prophecy  for  the 
future,  —  a  prophecy  which  after  years  saw  gloriously  fulfilled. 

We  pass  over  the  departure  from  Niagara,  after  a  visit 
which,  though  brief,  was  memorable  to  at  least  two  of  the 
little  company,  between  whom  there  had,  then  and  there,  been 
sealed  the  compact  of  a  friendship,  rendered  the  more  sacred 
by  the  wide  difference  in  their  years.  All  were  refreshed 
and  strengthened  for  continuing  the  journey ;  and  the  joy  of 
the  children,  and  the  relief  and  satisfaction  of  Mabel  were 
complete,  when,  at  the  steamboat  wharf  in  Buffalo,  they  met 
Owen,  who,  poor  fellow,  had  suffered  the  most  intense  anxiety 
on  their  account,  and  who  at  once  became  a  sharer  in  their 
gratitude  to  Madam  Percival,  as  was  evident  from  his  clumsy 
but  honest  expression  of  thanks,  and  still  more  from  his  un- 
wearied and  deferential  services  to  her  during  the  remainder 
of  the  journey.  "  Upon  ray  word,  Ma'am,"  said  he,  ';  when  I 
tbiind  they  were  off,  and  nobody  to  see  to  'em,  I  was  e'en 

30* 


354  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

a'most  crazed ;  and  when,  to  crown  the  whole,  I  found  Miss 
Vaughan's  purse  in  ray  pocket,  I  believe  I  went  clean  mad. 
Why,  I M  a  fired  one  of  the  engines,  and  come  off  on  my  own 
hook,  but  'twas  no  use;  I  just  had  to  cool  down  and  learn 
patience  by  waitin'.  But  I  see,  and  bless  the  Lord  for  it  too, 
the  young  lady  wa'  n't  without  a  protector,  nor  never  will  be  in 
this  world,  I've  a  notion,  —  sartin  not  if  she  has  her  deserts; 
and  I  make  bold  to  thank  you  for  your  goodness  on  my  own 
account.  Ma'am,  and  for  the  relief  it  is  to  my  conscience ;"  and 
taking  off  his  hat  and  bowing,  as  he  had  been  wont  to  bow  to 
Rosy,  he  drew  back  a  step  and  added,  "  Owen  Dowst  's  your 
servant  for  life,  Ma'am."  Madam  Percival  was  one  who  could 
appreciate  the  simplicity  and  worth  of  Mabel's  humble  escort ; 
and  before  their  travels  together  were  at  an  end,  he  had  learned 
to  look  upon  this  lady,  as  almost  every  one  did  who  came  under 
her  influence,  as  a  reliable  friend.  She  talked  intelligently 
with  him  of  farms,  stock  and  crops  ;  gave  him  much  valuable 
information  regarding  Western  life,  and  when  he  finally  ven- 
tured to  consult  her  with  reference  to  the  investment  of  his  little 
property,  she  entered  into  his  schemes  with  as  ready  an  inter- 
est as  if  she  had  been  a  professed  land-agent  and  he  a  wealthy 
speculator. 

Thus  all  went  on  happily  and  harmoniously,  and  Mabel, 
with  Madam  Percival  for  her  counsellor  and  friend,  Owen  as 
the  devoted  attendant  of  herself  and  the  children,  and  Mrs. 
Patten,  who  shared  all  the  interests  of  her  beloved  mistress, 
to  minister  to  her  wants,  and  relieve  her  of  little  cares,  found 
her  formidable  journey  drawing-  to  a  safe  conclusion,  and 
almost  sighed  as  she  thought  how  soon  she  must  part  from 
these  valued  and  tried  friends  of  her  adversity. 

The  last  night  of  their  sojourn  in  each  other's  company  was 
passed  on  board  a  canal-boat.  The  children  had  gone  to 
sleep  in  the  cabin ;  Mrs.  Patten  was  watching  beside  them ; 
Owen,  at  the  stern  of  the  boat,  was  giving  voluntary  aid  in 
the  stowing  of  some  freight,  and  Madam  Percival  and  Mabel 
were  seated  on  deck,  holding  the  last  of  those  pleasant  and 
valuable  conversations  which  they  had  enjoyed  together. 


MABEL    V  A  UGH  AN.  355 

"I  am  glad  you  like  this  Western  country,"  said  Madam 
Percival,  "  and  that  you  do  not  feel  discouraged  by  its  yet 
rougli  and  undeveloped  character.  It  is  a  great  field,  and  one 
in  which  comparatively  little  has  yet  been  accomplished.  You 
will  find  much  that  is  strange,  uncouth,  and  utterly  at  variance 
with  all  your  preconceived  ideas ;  but  to  a  noble  mind  there  is 
a  satisfaction  in  overcoming  difficulties,  and  every  effort  is 
sure  to  find  its  reward  in  a  land  which  makes  such  a  rich 
return  for  the  labor  bestowed  on  it." 

"  It  excites  all  my  enthusiasm,"  said  Mabel.  "  I  have  felt, 
a  hundred  times  on  our  journey,  as  if  I  would  gladly  stop 
short  at  any  given  point,  and  remain  a  year  or  more,  to  watch 
the  progress  which  could  almost  be  seen  in  passing,  and  of 
which  1  hear  such  wonderful  accounts  on  every  side." 

"  Say  rather,"  said  Madam  Percival,  "  to  take  part  in  that 
progress.  Do  not  consider  yourself  excluded  by  your  age  or 
sex  from  exerting  an  active  influence  on  the  growth  and  true 
civilization  of  any  spot  in  which  you  are  either  temporarily  or 
permanently  a  resident.  In  a  country  whose  physical  devel- 
opment is  so  unexampled  as  this,  too  much  effort  cannot  be 
made  to  insure  a  proportionate  advance  in  moral  and  spiritual 
growth.  It  may  be  that  your  influence  and  example  must  be 
confined  to  a  narrow  circle,  but  do  not  forget  that,  however 
restricted  may  be  your  sphere,  it  is  woman's  peculiar  privilege 
and  province  to  exert  that  softening,  elevating,  purifying  spirit, 
which  sanctifies  the  ruder  labors  of  life,  and  sheds  abroad 
in  the  community  a  nobler  ambition  than  that  of  building 
cities  in  the  wilderness,  and  subduing  the  elements  to  human 
will.  Above  all,  my  dear,  do  not  consider  your  life  in  the 
West  a  period  of  exile ;  this  is  but  a  part  of  our  mother 
country,  destined,  in  time  perhaps,  to  become  in  its  influence, 
what  it  already  is  in  its  locality,  —  the  centre  and  heart  of  the 
republic." 

"I  am  already  accustoming  myself,"  said  Mabel,  "  to  look 
upon  it  as  my  future  home,  for  such  it  may  eventually  be- 
come." 

"  Make  it  a  home,  my  dear,"  said   Madam  Percival,  "  for 


356  MAB^L    VAUGHAN. 

yourself  and  your  family ;  at  least,  while  you  remain  in  it, 
give  it  your  affection  and  your  best  efforts,  —  it  is  the  only 
way  to  render  it  a  happy  residence  or  a  useful  one.  I  have 
homes  in  several  parts  of  our  country,  and  it  would  be  hard 
for  me  to  say  which  I  love  best.  It  is  now  fifteen  years  since 
I  accompanied  my  husband  into  this  then  unsettled  region. 
He  was  one  of  the  pioneers  of  civilization,  and  the  affection 
which  I  then  conceived  for  this  "Western  valley  has  continued 
in  full  force  ever  since.  It  has  been  with  great  satisfaction 
that  I  have  made  successive  pilgrimages  hither,  and  now  that 
I  have  come  to  finish  my  days,  perhaps,  in  this  land  of  prom- 
ise, I  do  not  feel  willing  to  consider  it  the  home  of  my  adop- 
tion, but  simply  my  native  soil." 

"  If  you  were  only  to  be  near  me,"  said  Mabel,  "  it  would  be 
such  a  comfort ;  your  counsel  would  be  so  precious." 

"  Forty  miles  is  not  counted  a  very  great  distance  in  this 
part  of  the  world,  my  dear;  and  that,  as  nearly  as  I  can  judge, 
is  the  distance  between  your  father's  estate  and  that  of  my 
son.  My  hand,  owing  to  one  of  the  infirmities  of  age,  has 
recently  been  disabled  from  writing,  but  I  shall  find  a  way, 
one  of  these  days,  to  communicate  with  my  young  friends,  and 
shall  always  be  rejoiced  to  hear  from  you  in  return.  But, 
good  night ;  I  will  not  keep  you  up  any  longer  to  listen  to  an 
old  woman's  preaching." 

Before  morning  they  had  reached  the  bustling  Western  city 
where  their  united  route  terminated.  Mabel  and  the  children 
took  passage  in  the  clumsy  carriage  in  which  they  were  to 
commence  their  last  day's  journey ;  Owen  set  out  for  another 
part  of  the  country ;  and  Madam  Percival,  having  seen  her 
adopted  charges  on  their  way,  proceeded  to  the  house  of  a 
friend,  where  she  was  to  await  her  son's  arrival  in  the  city. 

It  was  a  cold,  rainy,  and  uncomfortable  evening,  when,  with 
the  horses  weary  and  steaming,  and  the  children  exhausted 
with  cold  and  fatigue,  Mabel,  almost  hopeless  of  ever  reaching 
their  destination,  which  had  seemed  all  day  to  recede  as  they 
advanced,  at  length  heard  from  their  driver  the  joyful  words, 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  357 

"  That  'ere 's  Mr.  Vaughan's  house  where  you  see  the  light 
over  yonder." 

"  Don't  cry ;  we  are  almost  there,  Murray ! "  she  exclaimed, 
encouragingly,  to  the  poor  weeping  child,  who,  sadly  feeling 
the  want  of  Madam  Percival's  shawls  and  Owen's  pilot  cloth 
coat,  was  shivering  with  the  cold,  from  which  all  Mabel's  care 
could  ill  protect  him,  and  who,  hungry,  dissatisfied,  arid  out  of 
humor,  had  complained  and  cried  bitterly  for  the  last  half  hour. 
"  Look  over  there,  beyond  the  river — that  is  grandpa's  house; 
you  will  soon  see  him  and  Uncle  Harry." 

"  I  don't  want  to  see  them !  I  hate  this  place !  I  won't 
stay  here ! "  sobbed  Murray. 

"  It  will  be  better  than  riding  all  night,  though,  Murray ; 
won't  it  ?  "  said  Alick,  in  the  same  patient,  philosophical  tone 
which  the  little  man  had  maintained  from  the  commencement 
of  the  journey. 

"  Ye  '11  have  to  get  out  here  and  step  up  a  piece,"  said  the 
driver,  halting  within  a  few  rods  of  the  house.  "My  road 
turns  off  here  to  the  post-office,  and  these  horses  is  dead  beat, 
that 's  a  fact." 

Mabel  needed  no  second  bidding ;  she  was  only  too  glad  to 
trust  to  her  own  feet,  to  which  eagerness  lent  wings,  and  in  an 
instant  more,  with  Murray  in  her  arms  and  Alick  close  beside 
her,  she  hastened  in  the  direction  of  the  light,  opened  the  un- 
locked door  of  the  house,  and  entered.  She  found  herself  in  a, 
dark  passage,  and  was  groping  for  the  inner  door,  when  it  was 
suddenly  thrown  open;  and,  with  a  cry  of  joy,  she  set  Murray 
on  the  floor,  and  flung  her  arms  around  the  neck  of  her  aston- 
ished brother. 

Had  it  been  the  ghost  of  Mabel  instead  of  Mabel  herself,  it 
could  have  created  no  greater  surprise  and  consternation.  Mr. 
Vaughan,  who  was  sitting  in  an  arm-chair  by  the  fire,  turned 
his  head  as  Harry  uttered  her  name,  and  seeing  his  daughter 
before  him,  became  pale,  tried  twice  to  rise  from  his  seat,  then 
sank  back  as  if  seized  by  sudden  giddiness,  while  a  look  of 
deep  distress  passed  over  his  haggard  features. 

"  Mabel  here  ! "  was  his  exclamation. 


358  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

She  had  thrown  herself  on  the  floor  beside  him,  and  with 
both  arms  resting  on  his  knee,  was  looking  him  earnestly  in 
the  face  before  he  had  finished  speaking  the  words.  "  Yes, 
lather ;  Mabel  and  the  boys." 

"  Alick !  Murray !  What  does  it  all  mean  ?  "  cried  the  old 
man,  greatly  agitated  —  "  their  mother  ?  " 

There  was  a  pause  —  a  long,  long  pause  —  no  one  spoke. 
Alick  hung  down  his  head.  Murray  crept  to  the  fire  and  kept 
on  sobbing. 

"Their  mother,  Mabel?"  said  Mr.  Vauglian,  again,  in  a 
tone  of  anxious  inquiry. 

"  They  have  no  mother  in  this  world  but  me,  father,"  an- 
swered Mabel,  in  a  hollow  whisper. 

The  head  of  the  afflicted  parent  dropped  upon  his  bosom. 
Harry  came  up,  untied  Mabel's  bonnet,  smoothed  her  hair  with 
his  hands,  kissed  her  hastily,  and  walked  to  the  other  end  of 
the  room  to  hide  his  agitation.  She  rose  and  stood  looking 
into  the  fire. 

"  Is  she  dead  ?  How  did  it  happen  ?  When  did  she  die  ? 
Where  ?  "  asked  Mr.  Vaughan,  at  last,  in  a  choked  voice. 

Mabel  gave  a  simple  outline  of  the  facts.  Mr.  Vaughan 
held  fast  to  the  sides  of  his  chair,  as  if  needing  support,  and 
presently  Harry  came  back,  and  watching  Mabel's  countenance, 
listened  also  to  the  story.  Now  and  then,  one  or  the  other 
asked  some  anxious  question,  and  at  length  amid  sighs,  sobs, 
and  secret  shudderirigs,  the  sad  tale  was  fully  told.  There 
was  a  second  long  silence,  broken  only  by  Murray's  cries,  and 
then  succeeded  other  questionings  and  other  cares ;  the  weary- 
young  travellers  —  their  long,  hard  journey;  the  trying  expe- 
riences of  Mabel ;  the  exposures  and  deprivations  of  the  poor 
children;  their  present  necessities  and  wants  —  all  in  turn  de- 
manded consideration,  and  wrere  in  turn  discussed.  Murray's 
loud  complaints  of  cold  and  hunger  were  promptly  responded 
to  by  Harry,  who  piled  on  more  wood  and  went  to  consult  the 
larder,  and,  through  his  good  housekeeping  and  Mabel's  inge- 
nuity, arrangements  were  soon  made  by  which  the  newly- 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  359 

arrived  party  could  be  comfortably  accommodated  for  the 
night. 

"  How  happened  you  to  think  of  coming  here,  Mabel?"  asked 
Mr.  Vaughan,  when,  supper  being  concluded  and  the  children 
gone  to  bed,  she  had  quietly  seated  herself  beside  him,  with  the 
satisfied,  contented  air  of  one  who  having  suffered  much  has 
found  a  place  of  repose  at  last. 

"  I  did  not  know  what  else  to  do,  father,"  was  her  simple 
answer. 

The  same  distressed  look  returned  to  his  face  which  had 
marked  it  on  the  first  announcement  of  her  arrival ;  he  moved 
uneasily  in  his  chair,  glanced  at  the  bare,  plastered  walls  and 
meagre  furniture  of  their  only  parlor,  and  then,  gazing  at  her 
with  mingled  pride  and  pity,  ejaculated  mournfully,  "It  is 
not  a  fit  place  for  you,  my  child.  I  would  have  spared  you 
this." 

Mabel,  grieved  at  perceiving  how  deeply  he  felt  the  trial  of 
seeing  his  beloved  daughter  reduced  to  such  humble  fortunes, 
made  haste  to  assure  him  of  her  perfect  satisfaction  and  joy  in 
sharing  his  Western  abode.  He  interrupted  her,  however, 
shook  his  head  in  a  troubled,  discontented  manner,  and  glanced 
once  more  around  the  room,  saying,  "  Ah,  well !  it  may  do  for 
awhile,  perhaps  —  a  week  or  so,  until  I  get  my  affairs  settled." 

It  seemed,  indeed,  as  if  his  paternal  grief  at  the  death  of 
Louise  was  secondary  to  this  one  absorbing  regret ;  and  as  if 
in  contemplating  the  trials  and  mortifications  to  which  his 
favorite  child  had  been  suddenly  reduced,  he  had  forgotten 
every  other  cause  of  sorrow;  for,  when  at  last  he  took  his 
candle  to  retire  for  the  night,  he  laid  his  hand  on  Mabel's  head, 
and  said  in  a  consolatory  tone,  "  Never  mind,  my  daughter ! 
It  is  only  for  a  season,  while  Harry  practises  a  little  shooting 
and  I  settle  up  my  affairs,  and  then  we  will  all  go  home  again." 

"  I  am  afraid  father  is  sorry  I  came,  Harry,"  said  Mabel,  as 
the  brother  and  sister  were  also  about  to  separate. 

"No,  no,  indeed,"  replied  Harry;  "only  he  feels,  as  any 
body  must,  that  this  is  a  new  style  of  things  for  you  to  be 


360  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

brought  to  —  this  bivouac  in  the  wilderness  —  this  hunting- 
lodge  in  the  prairie  —  for  that  is  all  it  is  fit  for." 

"  If  he  only  cares  on  my  account  —  if  you  are  sure  of  that, 
Harry,  I  am  content,"  said  Mabel.  "  He  shall  see  how  happy 
I  can  be  here." 

"  Dear  Mabel,"  said  Harry,  looking  at  her  tenderly,  "  how 
much  you  have  suffered  —  how  much  you  have  been  through 
since  we  parted ! " 

"  We  will  not  think  of  it  now,"  said  she,  smiling  through  her 
tears.  "  I  am  with  my  father  and  you,  Harry.  I  have  nothing 
more  to  ask." 


CHAPTER    XXXI. 

But  never,  in  her  varied  sphere, 
Is  woman  to  the  soul  more  dear 
Than  when  the  homely  task  she  plies, 
"With  cheerful  duty  in  her  eyes ; 
And,  every  lowly  path  well  trod, 
Looks  meekly  upward  to  her  God 

CAROLINE  OILMAN. 

"OuT  WEST"  is  an  indefinite  term,  whose  limit  has  never 
been  circumscribed,  and  never  can  be  fairly  reached  until  civili- 
zation, marching  on  with  its  measured  stride,  has  set  its  foot 
upon  every  inch  of  ground  between  the  Atlantic  and  (.he  Pacific 
shores.  At  the  time  of  which  we  write,  however,  the  States 
which  form  the  eastern  and  western  boundaries  of  the  Missis- 
sippi were  the  chief  theatre  of  emigration  ;  though  many  a  bold 
trapper  and  backwoodsman  began  to  feel  the  atmosphere  op- 
pressive with  the  breath  of  numbers,  and  to  yearn  for  still 
deeper  solitudes. 

The  tract  of  land  which,  about  a  year  before,  had  recom- 
mended itself  to  Mr.  Leroy  as  a  favorable  object  of  speculation, 
and  had  subsequently  become  the  joint  property  of  himself  and 
his  father-in-law,  was  a  wide  and  level  belt  of  alternate  wood- 
land and  prairie,  which,  stretching  for  many  miles  along  the 
shore  of  a  considerable  river,  afforded  an  obvious  and  practica- 
ble route  for  a  newly  projected  railroad.  It  was  with  the  view 
of  monopolizing  the  locality,  and  profiting  by  the  enormous  rise 
in  value  which  was  anticipated,  that  the  original  purchase  had 
been  determined  on;  and.  as  the  scheme  gained  new  favor  in 
the  eyes  of  the  eager  speculators,  and  the  subject  became  more 
engrossing,  larger  arid  larger  investments  were  made,  until,  at 
length,  all  other  considerations  were  excluded,  and  their  landed 
interests  became  to  both  gentlemen  a  subject  of  vital  importance. 


3G2  MABEL    VAUOHAX. 

Unfortunately,  however,  for  the  realization  of  their  hopes,  the 
River  Valley  Railroad,  with  all  the  expectations  which  were 
centred  in  it,  still  continued  a  mere  project  of  the  brain.  True, 
it  was  thought  of,  talked  of,  and  planned,  but  as  yet  the  fulfil- 
ment of  the  enterprise  was  postponed ;  some  believed  that  the 
cities  which  it  was  destined  to  connect  were  not  of  sufficient 
importance  to  warrant  the  undertaking,  and  all  were  agreed  to 
wait  until  the  time  was  more  fully  ripe  for  action;  —  all,  save 
the  disappointed  land-owners,  whose  fortunes  and  patience 
could  ill  brook  this  unforeseen  and  fatal  delay.  Meanwhile, 
Mr.  Leroy's  affairs  began  to  suffer  embarrassment;  a  large 
portion  of  his  capital  was  embarked  in  an  adventure  which 
yielded  him  no  returns;  he  was  obliged  to  look  to  Mr.  Vaughan 
for  assistance,  and  by  degrees  nearly  all  his  share  of  the  West- 
ern property  was  transferred  to  his  father-in-law,  in  considera- 
tion of  heavy  sums  advanced  for  his  relief.  Nor  could  Mr. 
Vaughan  long  sustain  the  double  burden  of  his  own  and  Mr. 
Leroy's  responsibilities.  His  resources  became  gradually  crip- 
pled, and  a  train  of  pecuniary  disasters  succeeded,  which,  to- 
gether with  Harry's  debts,  involved  him  in  financial  difficulties 
to  an  alarming  extent.  It  was  at  this  crisis  that  he  hastened  to 
the  scene  where  all  his  hopes  for  the  future  were  centred,  firm 
in  the  belief  that  his  presence  and  influence  would  give  new 
vigor  to  the  enterprise  which  was  destined  to  restore  and  re- 
double his  fortune,  and  resolved  at  all  hazards  and  at  every 
sacrifice  to  pursue  the  object  of  his  excited  anticipations.  Thus, 
when  Mr.  Leroy's  sudden  death,  his  declared  insolvency,  and 
the  fresh  embarrassments  which  ensued,  rendered  a  large 
amount  of  capital  necessary  for  redeeming  his  remaining  share 
of  the  property  and  confirming  Mr.  Vaughan's  shattered  credit, 
the  latter  hesitated  not  to  adopt  the  only  expedient  left  him, 
and  part  with  his  residence  in  New  York  rather  than  relinquish 
his  great  financial  scheme,  or  admit  any  new  partner  to  his 
plans  and  prospects.  And  when,  finally,  having  by  this  despe- 
rate remedy  secured  himself  from  interference,  he  relaxed  his 
zealous  efforts,  and,  worn  with  labor,  anxiety,  and  the  shock  of 
disaster,  sought  for  awhile  the  repose  and  seclusion  of  his  Wi/si- 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  363 

cm  farm-house,  it  was  merely  with  the  view  of  recruiting  his 
exhausted  energies  and  preparing  for  a  further  contest  with 
difficulties  and  opposition. 

That  his  residence  there  would  be  otherwise  than  temporary, 
— that  Mabel  would  ever  dream  of  joining  him,  and  sharing  his 
deprivations, — still  less  that  his  grandchildren  would  be  brought 
thither  for  protection  and  shelter,  had  never  once  entered  the 
old  man's  busy  and  overtasked  brain ;  and  yet,  by  a  train  of 
circumstances,  at  once  natural  and  strange,  the  remnant  of  his 
diminished  family  were  united  under  the  humble  roof,  where 
they  seemed  destined  for  an  indefinite  period  to  constitute  a 
common  household. 

Mabel  Vaughan  was  not  the  first  among  the  women  of  this 
fair  land  who  have  suddenly  waked  from  a  dream  of  luxury  to 
the  homely  realities  of  Western  life.  Many  are  the  daughters, 
mothers,  and  wives,  who,  born  and  reared  amid  wealth  and 
fashion,  have  gone  out  into  the  wilderness  with  hearts  brave 
enough  to  meet  adversity,  and  strong  enough  to  conquer  it ; 
proving  by  their  self-denying  fortitude,  that  there  is  no  sphere 
of  life  so  exalted  that  it  may  not  be  made  the  school  of  the 
humblest  virtues,  and  none  so  lowly,  that  it  may  not  become 
the  scene  of  the  purest  and  most  lasting  triumphs.  Nor  is  it 
too  much  to  affirm,  that,  while  manly  enterprise  and  vigor  have 
been  put  forth  with  unparalleled  energy,  the  success  which  has 
redeemed  the  waste  land,  and  made  the  wilderness  glad,  is  no 
less  due  to  the  cheerful  sacrifices,  the  patient  toil,  and  the  sym- 
pathizing heart  of  woman. 

The  sphere  into  which  Mabel  was  thus  suddenly  introdu 
was  one  which  gave  scope  to  every  faculty,  and  taxed  her  pow- 
ers to  the  utmost.  There  was  not  only  much  to  do,  but  much 
that  was  to  be  undone  and  recommenced,  for  Harry's  boasted 
housekeeping  presented  a  singular  medley  of  successes  and 
failures,  and,  in  the  eyes  of  a  capable  woman,  a  gradual  but 
thorough  reformation  was  essential  to  domestic  comfort.  The 
establishing  of  order  in  the  household  was,  however,  but  a  small 
part  of  her  task.  There  was  an  aged  father  to  cheer,  a  brother 
to  whom  her  sympathy  and  companionship  were  the  only  safe- 


3o4  MABEL    VACGIIAH. 

guard,  and  two  orphan  boys  to  be  cared  for,  governed,  and 
educated.  The  contemplation  of  the  toils  and  trials  which 
these  duties  must  necessarily  involve,  might  well  cause  the 
heart  to  shrink  with  dismay,  and  the  hands  to  refuse  their  un- 
wonted office.  But  Mabel  did  not  pause  to  contemplate  them, 
and  here  lay  her  chief  security  from  dejection  or  apathy.  She 
was  strong  in  youth  and  health ;  with  spirits  which  had  retained 
their  elasticity  in  spite  of  severe  discipline,  and  a  heart  so 
imbued  with  earnest  faith  and  Christian  self-devotion  that,  in 
the  cause  of  those  she  loved,  no  effort  could  be  hopeless,  and 
no  labor  burdensome.  Thus  she  counted  not  up  her  toils,  and 
brooded  not  upon  her  difficulties,  but  setting  herself  with  cheer- 
ful alacrity  to  the  work  which  lay  nearest  at  hand,  she  per- 
formed it  with  ready  zeal,  and  one  by  one,  unconsciously  to 
herself,  the  various  offices  which  she  filled  assumed  their  due 
order  and  significance,  and  her  daily  life  became  a  beautiful 
and  a  sacred  mission. 

"  Doesn't  the  tea-kettle  boil  jyet,  Harry?"  exclaimed  she,  in 
a  lively  tone,  as  she  joined  her  brother  in  the  kitchen  the 
morning  after  her  arrival,  and  found  him  engaged  in  his  bache- 
lor task  of  preparing  breakfast. 

"  Alick,"  she  cried  to  her  little  nephew,  who  wras  cowering 
over  the  fire,  "  do  you  see  that  great  heap  of  pine  chips  out  by 
the  wood  pile  ? — suppose  you  run  out  and  get  some  ;  let  Murray 
go  with  you,  and  carry  the  basket,  that's  a  good  boy;  run 
Murray,  and  get  warm.  Oh,  Harry!"  and  she  lifted  a  cover, 
"how  beautifully  you  have  broiled  that  chicken!  —  you  are 
equal  to  any  French  cook,  but  you  have  forgotten  the  coffee  ! " 
and  she  glanced  at  the  empty  coffee-pot. 

"Just  like  me,"  said  Harry,  good  humoredly;  "a  fair  speci- 
men of  my  ability.  I  have  nearly  let  the  fire  out,  too." 

"Never  mind,  here  comes  Alick  with  his  chips  ;  how  many 
times  I  have  helped  Mrs.  Herbert  make  the  tea-kettle  boil  on  a 
Sunday  evening,  when  Bridget  was  away." 

A  few  moments  more,  and  the  important  omission  on  Harry's 
part  was  amply  atoned  for ;  —  the  coffee  was  foaming  and  bub- 
bling merrily.  Mabel  had  placed  the  white  bread,  and  sweet, 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  3Ci) 

fresh  butter,  upon  the  table  —  a  few  new-laid  eggs  had  been 
produced  from  the  cupboard,  and  everything  gave  promise  of  a 
sumptuous  meal. 

"  Here  comes  Murray  ;  what  has  he  got  ?  "  shouted  Alick, 
as  the  little  fellow  entered,  rosy  and  eager  with  excitement,  and 
hugging  to  his  breast  a  small,  fur-clad  animal. 

"A  'possum,"  answered  the  child,  "  a  live  'possum  !  James, 
the  farmer,  gave  it  to  me." 

Alick  pressed  forward  to  see  this  novel  pet,  Harry  laughed, 
and  Mabel  exclaimed,  "  Why,  Murray,  what  would  the  New 
York  boys  say,  if  they  knew  you  had  an  opossum?  You  must 
get  James  to  make  a  house  for  it  to  live  in.  Go  and  take  hold 
of  grandfather's  hand,  Alick,"  whispered  she,  "  and  ask  him  to 
walk  in  to  breakfast." 

"  Boots  on  top  of  the  flour-barrel,  and  powder  and  shot  on 
the  same  shelf  with  the  sugar-bowl ! "  was  Mabel's  inward 
comment,  as,  an  hour  or  two  later,  she  made  a  careful  inspec- 
tion of  some  of  the  closets.  "  That  will  never  do  !  What  is 
there  in  that  cupboard  under  the  stairs,  Alick  ?  "  she  inquired 
aloud  of  her  active  and  willing  little  assistant. 

"  Nothing." 

'*  Then  that  is  just  the  place  for  boots  and  shoes  ;  it  must 
have  been  made  for  the  purpose.  The  sporting  materials  must 
stay  here,  I  suppose,  until  Uncle  Harry  can  find  a  better  place 
for  them.  But  this  nice  China  tea-set  must  be  taught  to  keep 
better  company ;  how  came  it  among  all  this  crockery  and 
earthen  ware,  I  wonder ! " 

These  and  similar  marks  of  carelessness  could  be  corrected 
on  the  instant ;  but  it  was  a  less  easy  task  to  remedy  the  nu- 
merous inconsistencies  which  the  house  and  furniture  every- 
where exhibited. 

The  plain  wooden  dwelling,  though  in  many  respects  con- 
venient, was  utterly  destitute  of  ornament,  and,  in  its'  interior 
finish,  was  rough  and  homely  in  the  extreme.  It  was  one  of 
those  cheap  structures,  which,  in  the  order  of  progress,  rank 
nexl  to  the  log  house,  and  which,  built  solely  for  purposes  of 
practical  utility,  offer  nothing  attractive  to  the  eye,  and  barely 


S66  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

insure  the  comfort  of  their  occupants.  It  had  been  furnished 
with  the  simple  necessaries  of  life  by  the  former  owner  of  the 
land  on  which  it  stood,  and  came  thus  into  the  possession  of 
Mr.  Vaughan,  having  been  included  in  the  original  purchase 
of  the  estate. 

Immediately  upon  Mr.  Leroy's  arrival  in  the  "West,  however, 
when  this  place  became  his  head-quarters,  he  had  endeavored 
to  make  it  a  comfortable  summer  residence  for  himself  and  his 
father-in-law,  by  sending  thither  from  the  nearest  city  those 
articles  of  luxurious  living,  in  which  it  was  most  obviously 
deficient.;  and  these  being  purchased  for  temporary  use,  and 
with  little  care  and  discretion,  constituted,  together  with  the 
rude  specimens  of  furniture  which  had  been  found  there,  an 
incongruous  mass  of  household  utensils  and  appliances,  which, 
thrown  together  in  utter  disregard  of  convenience  or  good  taste, 
imparted  to  the  rooms  a  most  unsettled  and  desolate  appear- 
ance. 

But  the  same  quick  eye  and  hand  which,  a  year  before,  had 
been  so  prompt  in  relieving  the  dull  uniformity  of  a  superb 
city  mansion,  knew  how  to  reduce  this  bewildering  chaos  to 
harmony  and  order;  and,  although  Harry  still  persisted  in 
playfully  styling  it  a  bivouac  and  an  encampment,  their  dwell- 
ing soon  assumed,  under  Mabel's  superintendence,  all  the 
essential  characteristics  of  a  home.  It  was  true  no  one  could 
be  blind  to  the  fact,  that  the  rich  and  gaily-colored  carpet  of 
their  only  parlor  contrasted  painfully  with  the  bare,  plastered 
walls  and  smoke-stained  ceiling ;  that  the  heavy  brass  andirons 
were  but  little  in  keeping  with  the  rough,  ill-painted  chimney- 
piece  and  wide  brick  hearth  ;  that  the  stuffed  arm-chairs  and 
sofa,  which  were  among  the  imported  articles,  were  strangely 
at  variance  with  an  old  pine  table  and  wooden  clock,  which 
were  as  indispensable  as  they  were  ugly ;  and  that  silver  forks 
and  damask  napkins  only  served  to  make  the  rude  cutlery  and 
clumsy  tin  coffee-pot  more  conspicuous  features  in  the  breakfast 
service. 

Woman,  however,  has  an  art  unknown  to  man,  by  which  due 
prominence  may  be  given  to  the  attractive  side  of  the  domestic 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  367 

picture,  while  the  reverse  is  atoned  for  or  kept  wholly  out  of 
sight  ;  and  Mr.  Vaughan  and  Harry  were  not  the  first  who 
have  felt  the  power  of  a  cleanly  swept  hearth,  a  neat  table- 
cover,  a  we  11 -ordered  meal,  a  tasteful  work-basket,  and  a  box 
of  mignionette  in  the  window,  without  being  able  to  define  the 
cause  of  their  unwonted  sense  of  comfort. 

Upon  the  unpacking  of  Mabel's  trunk,  a  treasure  had  come 
to  light,  which  had  awakened  in  her  many  a  touching  reminis- 
cence and  emotion,  and  which  excited  Alick  to  tears  and  Murray 
to  an  ecstasy  of  delight.  It  was  Rosy's  picture  of  the  little 
pilgrim,  packed  in  a  snug  corner  *by  Mrs.  Hope,  and  marked 
on  the  back  in  Lydia's  hand-writing,  with  Rosy's  dying  mes- 
sage, "  Give  this  to  my  dear  Miss  Mabel."  They  hung  it  on 
that  side  of  the  plastered  wall  to  which  Mr.  Vaughan's  eyes 
were  often  turned  in  his  half-absent  fits  of  dejection,  where  it 
stood  out  from  the  cold  white  surface,  as  much  alone  and  as 
highly  prized  as  in  Rosy's  humble  room,  and  silently  pro- 
claimed those  blessed  truths  of  which  Rosy's  voice  and  life 
had  furnished  the  interpretation. 

It  had  been  obvious,  from  the  first  moment  of  Mabel's 
arrival,  that  nothing  would  so  mortify  and  distress  hrr  father 
as  to  see  her  reduced  to  the  performance  of  menial  offices  ;  and 
this  feeling,  which  his  whole  manner  conveyed,  was  expressed 
almost  immediately  in  the  decisive  words,  <•  Harry,  we  must 
look  out  at  once  for  servants.  James  has  done  very  well  for 
us,  with  what  assistance  he  has  been  able  to  obtain  in  the 
neighborhood  ;  but  the  case  is  quite  different  now.  Kven  if 
Mabel  should  only  be  here  for  a  week  or  two,  we  must  have 
female  servants,  if  there  are  any  such  to  be  obtained,  and  make 
her  as  comfortable  as  possible." 

The  saving  clause  in  Mr.  Vaughan's  remark  was  well  intro- 
duced, for  the  difficulty  of  securing  female  help  in  a  new 
country  is  proverbial ;  and,  though  Harry  fully  coincided  with 
his  father's  views,  and  was  indefatigable  in  his  efforts,  he  met 
with  only  partial  success,  and  that  not  until  he  was  nearly 
discouraged.  At  length,  however,  a  young  and  inexperienced 
girl,  daughter  of  a  recent  settler  in  the  vicinity,  consented  to 


368  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

enter  Mabel's  service,  and  through  the  latter's  perseverance  in 
training  both  herself  and  her  hand-maiden,  some  degree  of 
system  was  introduced  into  the  kitchen  department,  and  there 
was  at  least  the  show  of  a  waiting  woman  in  the  establishment. 

Of  the  trials,  disappointments,  and  difficulties,  which  a  young 
house-keeper  endures  during  her  novitiate,  most  women  know 
something  by  experience,  and  most  men  by  hearsay ;  while  all 
will  agree,  that  no  small  credit  was  due  to  the  girl  who  bore 
her  trials  cheerfully,  laughed  over  her  disappointments,  pa- 
tiently contended  with  difficulties,  and  maintained,  meanwhile, 
a  happy  contentment  of  spirit,  which  spread  sunshine  through 
the  house,  and  even  forbade  her  anxious  parent  to  consider  her 
an  object  of  compassion. 

Meanwhile,  Mr.  Vaughan  was  frequently  absent  from  home, 
on  those  excursions  which  had  reference  to  his  scheme  of  future 
wealth  and  aggrandizement,  and,  on  his  return,  his  mind  was 
generally  too  much  abstracted  to  admit  of  his  making  any 
observation  upon  his  family  circumstances,  beyond  that  of  the 
general  health  and  welfare  of  the  household.  He  accepted  the 
arrangements  which  were  made  for  his  comfort,  without  seem- 
ing to  trace  them  to  their  source,  and  sometimes  came  and 
went  without  communicating  a  single  fact  connected  with  his 
journeyings,  or  making  a  single  inquiry  concerning  the  events 
which  had  transpired  in  his  absence.  The  roll  of  charts, 
descriptive  of  his  landed  property,  was  usually  spread  out 
before  him,  upon  the  table,  and  when  not  actually  engaged  in 
consulting  it,  he  would  restlessly  pace  the  room  ;  while,  more 
'than  once,  Mabel  was  startled  by  hearing  his  step  in  the 
night  time,  and,  on  hastily  descending  the  stairs,  discovered 
him,  in  night-cap  and  dressing-gown,  poring  over  the  engross- 
ing maps,  tracing  out  the  course  of  the  river,  or  the  boundary 
line  of  his  estates.  "  Go  back  to  bed,  my  child,"  he  would  say, 
looking  up  from  his  labors,  but  not  removing  his  finger  from  the 
place  which  it  marked ;  "  I  am  sorry  I  disturbed  you ;  I  only 
wished  to  satisfy  my  mind  upon  a  certain  point." 

"  I  thought  you  might  be  ill,"  Mabel  would  perhaps  remark ; 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  309 

and  he  in  his  turn  would  answer,  a  little  impatiently,  "111?  Oh, 
no,  I  am  perfectly  well, —  perfectly." 

The  autumn,  however,  was  fast  changing  into  winter,  and 
the  subject  of  a  return  to  New  York  was  as  wholly  dropped  as 
if  such  a  thing  had  never  been  contemplated.  Time  did  not 
appear  to  hang  heavily  upon  Harry's  hands ;  he  was  out  almost 
constantly  with  his  dog  and  gun,  and  his  health  and  figure 
were  becoming  robust  under  the  influence  of  this  active  life. 
Nor  did  Mabel's  high  hopes  suffer  any  diminution,  nor  her 
fears  become  in  any  degree  excited,  on  his  account,  although 
his  frequent  and  prolonged  shooting  excursions  brought  him  into 
contact,  not  only  with  the  reckless  hunter  and  backwoodsman, 
but,  also,  with  many  a  gay  sporting-party  from  Canada  and 
the  Western  cities,  who  were,  at  this  season,  finding  recreation 
in  the  hunting  grounds  of  the  West.  lie  invariably  returned 
home  laden  with  game,  which  was  no  trifling  feature  in  their 
larder;  and,  by  his  though tfuln ess  for  Mabel's  comfort,  by  his 
anxiety  to  lighten  her  cares  in  providing  for  the  wants  of  the 
family,  and  by  the  exercise  of  a  discretion  and  good  judgment 
which  had  never  before  characterized  him,  he  gave  evidence 
of  his  growth  in  manly  purpose  and  true  generosity  of  heart. 

Mabel's  social  deprivations  might  seem  one  of  the  most 
striking  trials  of  her  lot.  But  although  her  father  and  brother 
were  much  from  home,  and  the  neighborhood  ofjered  few 
advantages,  she  found  more  than  enough  in  her  present  situa- 
tion to  compensate  for  all  she  had  lost  by  the  exchange  of  a 
crowded  city  for  a  life  on  the  open  prairie. 

The  children  were  her  constant  companions.  Alick  could  not 
long  be  contented  out  of  her  sight,  and  the  chivalrous  devotion 
which  had  marked  his  demeanor  on  their  journey  suffered  no 
diminution  at  its  termination.  He  was  her  invariable  attend- 
ant and  fellow  laborer,  and  under  her  sunny  influence  the  best 
traits  of  his  character  were  rapidly  developing  ;  while  Murray, 
in  the  keen  enjoyment  of  simple  pleasures,  was  overcoming 
the  false  tastes  and  unreasonable  temper  which  were  due  to 
flattery,  and  the  injurious  influences  that  hotel  life  is  sure  to 
exert  upon  a  child. 


370  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

But  there  wag  still  another  source  from  which  Mabel  derived 
sweet  and  welcome  companionship,  learning  in  the  exercise 
of  a  warm  and  tender  friendship  how  much  more  precious  is 
the  intercourse  with  one  true  and  congenial  mind,  than  with 
hundreds  of  those  chance  acquaintances  who  are  thoughtlessly 
termed  friends. 

She  was  standing  one  day  at  the  front  window  of  her  parlor, 
watching  the  boys  who  were  at  play  outside,  when  her  atten- 
tion was  attracted  by  a  little,  shaggy,  white  pony,  approaching 
the  house  at  a  quick  canter.  As  the  village  had  been  laid  out 
with  reference  to  that  immense  growth  which  it  had  not  yet 
attained,  and  a  wide  open  common  intervened  between  Mr. 
Vaughan's  residence  and  the  opposite  street,  the  figure  of  the 
rider,  who,  regardless  of  the  beaten  track,  pursued  a  direct 
course  over  the  rolling  prairie  ground,  was  strongly  defined  on 
the  open  space  and  against  the  clear  blue  sky,  and  was  watched 
by  Mabel  with  intense  interest  and  curiosity.  It  was  a  young, 
slight,  and  delicate-looking  girl,  who,  dressed  in  a  light  gray 
habit,  with  a  straw  hat,  bound  and  tied  with  green  ribbon,  and 
her  fair  hair  floating  on  the  breeze,  presented  a  novel  and  pic- 
turesque appearance.  She  rode  with  careless  ease  and  grace, 
and  seemed  to  guide  and  control  her  little  steed  by  a  species 
of  magic,  for  as  she  drew  near  the  house  she  suddenly  threw 
the  reins^on  its  neck,  checked  it  with  a  word,  and  springing 
lightly  from  its  back,  apparently  bestowed  no  further  thought 
upon  the  animal,  which  followed  her  for  a  few  paces,  then 
tossed  its  head,  snuffed  the  air,  and  bounded  to  a  little  distance, 
where  it  stopped  and  quietly  commenced  grazing. 

Gathering  her  skirts  lightly  in  her  hand,  —  they  were  not  so 
long  as  to  interfere  materially  with  her  walking, —  she  came  trip- 
ping up  to  the  door,  but  did  not  appear  to  be  in  haste,  for  see- 
ing the  children,  she  paused  in  evident  surprise,  stooped  down 
and  stroked  the  head  of  Harry's  dog,  with  which  they  were 
playing,  and  asked  them  a  few  questions,  to  which,  however, 
she  failed  to  obtain  satisfactory  answers.  Mabel  was  just  con- 
sidering whether  she  should  go  to  meet  this  unexpected  visitor, 
when,  without  the  ceremony  of  a  knock,  the  door  was  opened 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  371 

and  she  entered  unannounced,  with  several  letters  and  papers 
in  her  hand,  which  she  was  about  to  lay  upon  the  table  and 
retire;  but  seeing  Mabel,  she  paused,  blushed  slightly,  then 
with  the  simple  confidence  of  one  who  has  never  known  cause 
for  more  than  momentary  embarrassment,  advanced  and  cor- 
dially extended  her  hand.  "  It  is  Miss  Vaughan,"  exclaimed 
she,  with  unaffected  astonishment  and  pleasure.  "  But  I  did 
not  know  you  had  come.  I  had  no  idea  you  thought  of  com- 
ing. I  am  very  glad  to  see  you." 

Mabel  shook  the  young  girl's  hand  warmly,  for  her  appear- 
ance was  very  prepossessing ;  she  could  not,  however,  disguise 
the  curiosity  she  felt  concerning  her,  and  the  little  horsewoman 
ingenuously  responded  to  it  in  the  words  —  "I  am  Helen 
Gracie,  the  clergyman's  daughter,  the  village  letter  carrier, 
my  father's  curate,  and  your  father's  earliest  acquaintance  in 
the  place,  and  medical  adviser,  too,  I  may  say,  if  you  will  not 
think  me  proud." 

Many  more  were  the  titles  to  honor  and  to  love  which  Helen 
might  with  equal  truth,  though  not  with  equal  modesty,  have 
claimed;  for  this  fair  flower  of  the  wilderness,  this  lily  of  the 
prairie,  as  she  was  rightly  termed,  was  known  and  beloved  for 
a  circuit  of  twenty  miles  around,  and  the  various  offices  she 
filled  were  as  numerous  as  they  were  beneficent. 

It  was  enough  for  Mabel,  however,  that  she  recognized  in 
her  the  gentle  nurse  who  had  ministered  to  her  father's  wants, 
and  earnestly  pressing  the  little  hand  which  had  applied  the 
healing  balsam  and  prepared  the  wholesome  nourishment  for 
her  wounded  and  invalid  parent,  she  proceeded  to  thank  her 
in  no  measured  terms  for  the  friendly  and  neighborly  part 
she  had  played.  She  had  heard  her  father  speak  frequently 
of  Miss  Gracie's  attentions,  and  Harry,  too,  had  referred  to 
her  by  name ;  but  having  pictured  to  herself  some  ancient  and 
withered  crone,  laden  with  a  huge  bag  of  herbs,  and  prating 
of  her  skill,  she  could  not  sufficiently  express  her  pleasure  at 
this  agreeable  surprise. 

Helen,  however,  disclaimed  all  praise ;  she  had  merely 
recommended  an  application  for  Mr.  Yaughan's  sprain,  which 


372  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

had  fortunately  proved  effectual,  and  the  dear  old  gentleman's 
kindness  had  made  it  a  pleasure  to  ride  over  and  inquire  after 
his  health.  She  then  apologized  for  her  present  intrusion,  by 
saying  that  she  had  frequently  been  in  the  habit,  during  the 
summer,  of  calling  and  leaving  the  letters,  on  her  way  from  the 
post-office  to  a  neighboring  settlement  which  she  visited  almost 
daily,  and  as  Mr.  Vaughan  and  Mr.  Leroy  were  seldom  at 
home,  she  usually  came  in  and  left  them  on  the  table.  Mabel, 
charmed  with  her  fresh  and  lady-like  simplicity,  begged  that  she 
would  always  thus  dispense  with  ceremony  ;  and,  Helen  having 
been  persuaded  to  take  a  seat,  the  two  girls  were  soon  chatting 
together  with  a  freedom  which  gave  the  promise  of  speedy 
intimacy  and  mutual  happiness  in  each  other's  society. 

There  was  no  question  which  Mabel  could  ask  concerning  the 
country,  or  the  neighborhood,  to  which  Helen  could  not  give  a 
prompt  and  intelligent  answer,  and  no  advice  or  counsel  which 
she  required  in  her  present  circumstances,  which  her  new 
friend  was  not  competent  to  bestow  ;  for  Helen  had  been  born 
in  the  West,  and  the  greater  part  of  her  young  life  had  bi-«*n 
passed  in  this  very  locality,  to  which  her  father,  a  devoted 
minister  of  the  gospel,  had  brought  his  only  child  in  her 
infancy,  and  where,  unbiassed  by  worldly  prejudice,  he  had 
reared  and  educated  her  according  to  his  own  ideas  of  female 
loveliness  and  duty. 

"  You  have  been  a  housekeeper  ten  years ! "  exclaimed 
Mabel,  as  Helen  laughingly  declared  that  her  experience  dated 
back  to  that  remote  period.  Then,  reviewing  with  a  smile  the 
sweet,  infantile  features  which  seemed  to  mock  the  assertion, 
she  added,  "  No  one  would  believe  you  such  a  veteran  in  the 
service  ;  but  I  shall  take  you  at  your  word,  and  rely  on  your 
advice  in  all  domestic  matters,  as  well  as  in  the  wider  range  of 
subjects  we  have  been  discussing.  If  you  please,  before  you  go," 
for  Helen  was  about  to  depart,  "  will  you  step  into  the  kitchen, 
and  tell  rne  if  Melissa's  bread  is  risen  enough  to  put  imo  the 
pans  ?  " 

And  Helen  accepted  the  invitation  with  the  same  playful 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  373 

air  with  which  it  was  given,  and  the  bread  was  all  the  better 
for  her  suggestions. 

She  then  spoke  her  farewell,  and  the  pony,  obedient  to  its 
mistress'  call,  came  trotting  up  with  the  playful  and  waggish 
capers  of  a  little  dog.  "  Will  you  take  a  ride,  sir  ?"  said  Helen 
to  Murray,  who  stood  attentively  watching  the  animal's  motions. 

The  courageous  boy  answered  readily  in  the  affirmative,  and 
in  an  instant  the  lively  girl  had  lifted  him  to  the  saddle,  and 
was  laughing  merrily  at  his  delight,  as  she  led  the  docile  pony 
round  in  a  wide  circle ;  then  helping  him  to  alight,  she  sprung 
into  his  place,  waved  her  hand  gaily  to  Mabel,  who  stood 
watching  them  in  the  doorway,  and  cantered  off  over  the  prairie 
in  an  opposite  direction  to  that  from  which  she  had  come. 

A  moment  after  Harry  crossed  the  bridge,  and  emerging 
from  the  thicket  which  bordered  the  river,  joined  Mabel  on 
the  doorstep,  while  the  figure  of  Helen  was  still  in  sight, 
though  gradually  lessening  in  the  distance. 

"  I  do  believe,"  exclaimed  he,  "  you  have  had  a  visit  from 
that  little  desert  sprite.  This  is  the  third  time  I  have  come 
up  just  in  season  to  see  her  beat  a  retreat,  and  never  yet  have 
I  had  a  glimpse  of  her  face,  though  father  speaks  of  her  so 
familiarly  that  she  can  not  be  utterly  a  myth." 

"  Harry,"  said  Mabel  with  enthusiasm,  "  she  is  the  dearest 
little  creature  in  the  world." 

"  I  have  had  a  suspicion  of  the  fact,"  replied  Harry,  "  but 
that  is  all.  I  invariably  catch  sight  of  her  riding  off  as  she  is 
now,  with  her  curls  floating  behind  her,  and  almost  think  she 
sees  me  coming  and  makes  her  escape  on  the  instant." 

"  She  lives  in  the  cottage  yonder ;  you  can  see  the  smoke 
from  the  chimney,"  said  Mabel.  "  We  are  the  best  of  friends 
already,  and  I  have  promised  to  return  her  visit  soon ;  you 
must  go  with  me." 

Harry  did  so,  not  unwillingly ;  and  as  time  passed  on  and 
the  intimacy  between  the  families  continued  to  ripen,  Mabel's 
declaration  and  his  suspicions  regarding  their  new  friend  seemed 
destined  to  become  confirmed. 

32 


CHAPTER   XXXII. 

Labour  is  good  for  man,  bracing  up  his  energies  to  conquest, 
And  without  it  life  is  dull,  the  man  perceiving  himself  useless. 

M.  F.  TUPPER. 

THE  short,  frosty  days  of  winter  were  gradually  giving  way 
to  the  bright  influences  of  spring,  though  as  yet  there  was  little 
indication  in  the  bare,  brown  prairie,  the  leafless  trees,  or  the 
chilly  atmosphere,  of  any  other  reign  than  that  of  the  wintry 
tyrant.  The  sun,  however,  rode  higher  in  the  firmament  and 
continued  longer  above  the  horizon,  and  the  light  snows  which 
fell  now  and  then  during  the  night,  could  not  resist  the  power 
which  his  rays  had  acquired  at  noon.  It  was  that  season  when 
good  housewives  improve  the  long  days  for  the  accomplishment 
of  what  they  term  their  spring  work ;  and  Mabel,  in  virtue  of 
her  thriftiness,  devoted  all  the  time  she  could  spare  from  her 
other  vocations,  to  the  diligent  plying  of  her  needle,  a  species 
of  industry  which  the  family  wants  imperatively  demanded. 

She  was  sitting  at  the  window  towards  the  close  of  an  after- 
noon in  the  early  part  of  April,  busily  occupied  at  her  sewing, 
and  Harry,  at  the  opposite  side  of  the  room,  was  engaged  with 
a  book.  Mr.  Vaughan  was  absent  on  one  of  his  frequent 
excursions ;  the  boys,  wrapped  in  their  warm  great  coats,  had 
gone  with  James  the  farmer  to  enjoy  his  skill  in  calling  together 
the  cows,  which  had  strayed  to  a  distance,  and  the  house  was 
quiet  and  undisturbed.  Occasionally  Harry  laid  down  his 
book  and  yawned,  then  rose,  gazed  first  from  one  window 
and  then  another,  and  finally  resuming  his  seat,  with  his 
elbow  resting  on  the  half-closed  volume,  watched  Mabel  atten- 
tively and  thoughtfully,  as,  unconscious  of  observation  she 
stitched  away  on  the  garment,  which  she  was  anxious  to  finish 
that  evening.  Neither  of  them  had  spoken  for  a  half  hour  or 


JIABEL   VAUGHAN.  375 

more,  when  Harry  suddenly  startled  his  sister  with  the  abrupt 
remark,  "  Mabel,  I  am  tired  of  this  kind  of  life ;  I  am  going  to 
work." 

She  lifted  her  earnest,  brown  eyes  for  an  instant  to  his  face, 
with  a  half  incredulous,  half  inquiring  look,  then  dropped  them 
again  and  kept  on  sewing. 

"  It  does  very  well,"  continued  he,  "  to  call  our  farm-house 
here  a  bivouac,  an  encampment,  and  a  hunting-lodge.  It  sounds 
temporary,  and  seems  encouraging,  and  answers  for  a  jest ;  but 
it  is  no  jesting  matter,  —  this  Western  life  to  which  we  have 
become  reduced — it  is  a  sober  reality." 

Mabel  made  no  reply ;  she  only  looked  more  steadily  at  her 
work.  He  studied  her  face  for  a  moment,  but  could  not  read 
its  expression,  the  features  were  so  fixed.  "  All  we  can  do 
now  is  to  make  the  best  of  it,"  said  he,  as  he  rose  once  more 
and  walked  up  and  down  the  room.  Then  pausing  opposite  to 
her  he  exclaimed,  in  a  tone  at  once  emphatic  and  full  of  deep 
and  tender  feeling,  "  Mabel,  this  is  all  a  humbug  —  this  great 
scheme  of  father's.  The  poor  old  gentleman  is  laboring  under 
a  delusion." 

Her  head  dropped  lower  and  lower  on  her  bosom,  a  great 
tear  fell  upon  her  needle  and  glittered  like  a  dewdrop, — 
another  blinded  her  eye ;  still  she  feigned  to  be  busy  as  ever 
with  her  work. 

"  He  is  wasting  his  life  away  chasing  after  a  shadow.  Did 
you  know  it  ? "  asked  Harry,  in  a  tone  of  gentle,  anxious  in- 
quiry. 

She  answered  only  by  an  affirmative  nod.  She  had  known 
it  so  long ;  she  had  read  it  so  many  times  in  the  old  man's  face ; 
she  had  felt  it  so  to  her  heart's  core,  and  treasured  it  there  so 
religiously,  as  a  fatal  secret,  that  now  to  hear  it  spoken  out, 
and  to  find  herself  assenting  to  the  truth,  seemed  almost  like  a 
sacrilege,  or  the  betrayal  of  a  trust. 

"  And  you  knew  that  the  rest  of  the  property  was  lost ;  that 
every  thing  had  been  sacrificed  to  this  hopeless  speculation ; 
that  the  New  York  house  and  all  its  contents  went  under  the 
hammer  long  ago ;  and  that  this  was  our  only  home  ?  " 


376  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

Harry  put  these  questions  in  quick  succession,  as  each 
received  the  same  silent  but  expressive  reply  with  which 
Mabel  had  responded  to  his  first  query ;  then  added,  gazing 
into  her  face  meanwhile  with  wonder  and  admiration,  "  So 
you  have  never  been  blinded  for  a  moment  to  the  true  state 
of  things  ?  You  have  never  been  deceived  by  all  the  proph- 
ecies of  better  days?  You  have  realized  from  the  begin- 
ning that  we  were  a  ruined  family,  and  yet  you  have  seemed 
as  cheerful  as  if  we  were  at  the  top  of  fortune's  ladder,  and 
have  labored  as  steadily  as  if  you  had  the  most  brilliant  ends 
in  view!  I  never  would  have  believed  it  of  any  woman. 
Mabel,  you  are  an  angel !  " 

"  No,  I  am  not  an  angel,"  said  she,  looking  up  with  a  half 
smile  ;  "  nor  are  we  a  ruined  family.  I  have  learned  to  appre- 
ciate a  home  if  it  is  ever  so  humble ;  and  if  it  were  not  for  his 
disappointment,  of  which  I  can  not  bear  to  think,  we  might  be 
very  happy  yet.  You,  and  the  boys,  and  I,  will  all  acknowledge 
that  this  winter  has  been  much  better  spent  than  the  last." 

"  Yes,  in  the  highest  and  best  sense,  we  have  all  improved," 
said  Harry;  "and  we  know  who  we  have  to  thank  for  it. 
You  and  I  have  been  but  .idle  dogs,"  continued  he,  patting  the 
head  of  his  favorite  setter,  "  but  we  have  at  least  done  no  harm 
for  the  last  six  months,  and  one  of  us  has  not  found  the  time 
wholly  wasted,  since  it  has  sown  the  seeds  of  some  good  reso- 
lutions. Yes,  Mabel,  your  industry  and  patience  have  been  at 
once  a  reproach  and  an  incentive  to  me.  I  am  determined  to 
be  no  longer  a  drone  in  the  hive  —  I  am  going  to  work." 

There  was  a  manly  earnestness  in  Harry's  tone  which  made 
it  impossible  to  doubt  his  sincerity,  and  Mabel,  both  by  voice 
and  countenance,  expressed  an  eager  interest  and  pleasure  in 
his  declaration,  which  encouraged  him  to  explain  himself  still 
further. 

It  seemed  that  the  young  man's  time  during  the  winter 
months  had  not  been  wholly  devoted  to  hunting,  though  it  was 
on  an  excursion  of  this  nature  that  the  impulse  became  awak- 
ened which  eventually  led  to  important  results.  He  had  gone 
to  a  greater  distance  than  usual  from  home,  and  in  company 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  377 

with  some  young  English  officers  from  beyond  the  Canadian 
frontier,  had  been  on  the  track  of  a  deer  which  had  recently 
been  seen  in  the  vicinity,  and,  in  the  engrossing  interest  of  the 
chase,  had  become  separated  from  his  companions  just  at  the 
close  of  the  short  winter's  day.  In  the  darkness  which  imme- 
diately ensued,  he  was  for  some  hours  lost  in  the  forest ;  but 
at  length,  guided  by  the  friendly  light  of  a  log  hut,  he  succeeded 
in  reaching  a  place  of  shelter,  which  he  recognized  as  the  cabin 
of  an  Indian  half-breed  who  had  once  before  been  his  host  on 
a  similar  occasion. 

But  he  was  not  now,  as  before,  the  only  guest.  A  rival 
huntsman  had  preceded  him,  and,  outside  the  door,  lay  the  car- 
cass of  the  deer,  slain  by  this  successful  follower  of  the  chase. 
It  proved,  however,  to  be  neither  of  Harry's  previous  compan- 
ions who  had  thus  borne  away  the  honors,  but  an  accidental 
competitor  for  the  prize,  who,  travelling  in  the  neighborhood, 
was  indebted  to  his  quick  eye  and  ready  rifle  for  a  success 
which  he  could  scarcely  be  said  to  have  sought.  The  stranger 
was  a  young  man,  not  many  years  Harry's  senior,  and  in  the 
close  proximity  to  which  the  new  lodgers  were  subjected  in 
their  narrow  quarters,  an  acquaintance  naturally  ensued,  which 
the  next  day's  journey,  passed  in  each  other's  society,  was  also 
destined  to  confirm. 

The  manners  and  bearing  of  the  expert  hunter  had  at  once 
proclaimed  him  to  be  a  gentleman,  and  his  knowledge  and  culti- 
vation proved  him  to  be  one  of  no  ordinary  attainments  ;  for, 
while  his  whole  conversation  was  marked  by  elevation  of  sen- 
timent and  refinement  of  taste,  his  information  ranged  over  a 
wide  field  of  topics,  and  he  seemed  equally  at  home  on  a  ques- 
tion of  foreign  policy,  or  the  details  of  Western  farming.  Of 
the  latter  he  had,  considering  his  youth,  enjoyed  a  large  experi- 
ence —  enjoyment  being  most  truly  the  term  for  expressing  the 
enthusiastic  and  hearty  interest  which  he  felt  in  the  growth  and 
development  of  the  resources  afforded  by  the  extensive  planta- 
tion lands  of  which  he  was  the  proprietor.  These  lands  were 
not  very  far  distant  from  one  portion  of  Mr.  Vaughan's  estate  ; 
and  as  Harry  listened  to  the  young  stranger's  animated  account 
32* 


378  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

of  his  own  successful  experiments  in  agriculture,  and  the  almost 
fabulous  crops  which  the  rich  soil  was  capable  of  yielding,  his 
attention  was,  for  the  first  time,  directed  to  the  uncommon 
facilities  he  himself  possessed  for  embarking  in  similar  pur- 
suits. 

Mr.  Vaughan's  Western  property,  although  purchased  solely 
with  reference  to  one  absorbing  scheme,  included  large  tracts 
of  arable  land,  which,  at  present  lying  waste,  might  be  easily 
brought  under  cultivation.  Industry  and  perseverance  alone 
were  wanting  to  compel  them  to  yield  their  tribute.  The 
broad  acres  which  had  disappointed  the  eager  speculator  might 
yet  reward  the  patient  husbandman ;  and  while  the  father  only 
dreamed  of  golden  harvests,  the  son  might  sow  and  reap  them. 

The  ambition  thus  awakened  was  not  destined  to  die  out  for 
want  of  encouragement.  The  accident  which  had  introduced 
Harry  to  the  owner  of  a  model  farm,  had  also  secured  to  him. 
a  wise  counsellor  and  a  judicious  friend;  —  a  man  who  had  the 
force  and  energy  of  character  which  are  calculated  to  command 
influence,  and  the  disinterested  and  lofty  aims  which  insure  its 
being  exercised  in  a  right  direction.  Moreover,  he  seemed  to 
have  Harry's  welfare  particularly  at  heart,  and  spared  no  pains 
to  establish  his  manly  purposes,  and  aid  him  in  their  accom- 
plishment. He  invited  him  to  visit  his  estate,  pointed  out  the 
evidences  of  remarkable  success  and  occasional  failure  which 
constituted  his  own  experience,  and  accompanied  him  on  a  sur- 
vey of  that  part  of  his  father's  land  which  was  best  adapted 
to  agricultural  purposes. 

Thus,  at  the  opening  of  spring,  Harry's  plans  were  ripe,  and 
he  himself  ready  and  eager  for  action.  The  simple  structure 
which  was  for  the  present  to  constitute  his  dwelling,  was 
already  in  process  of  erection,  and  he  had  only  delayed  com- 
municating these  facts  to  Mabel  because  he  dreaded  to  disclose 
those  other  truths  which  were  involved  in  his  decision,  and 
which,  he  feared,  would  prove  crushing  to  her  hopes. 

He  had  not  counted  on  that  womanly  instinct  which  could 
not  be  deceived  in  reference  to  their  broken  fortunes,  nor 
measured  the  strength  of  thin  woman's  heart  which  rose  superior 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  379 

to  the  shock.  Nor  had  he  anticipated,  therefore,  the  exultant 
and  joyful  emotions  which  the  revelation  of  his  own  projects 
awakened  in  his  warm-hearted  and  sympathizing  sister.  Not 
only  was  the  thought  of  honest  labor,  in  the  tilling  of  the  gen- 
erous soil,  attractive  to  her  newly-developed  tastes,  but,  in 
devoting  himself  with  such  ardor  to  the  work,  Harry  had  set 
the  seal,  as  it  were,  to  his  hoped-for  reformation.  If  there  was 
one  thing  she  had  dreaded  for  him  more  than  another,  it  was 
idleness,  the  almost  certain  harbinger  of  evil.  That  temptation 
was  now  at  an  end ;  and,  looking  through  the  long  vista  of 
coming  years,  Mabel  seemed,  with  prophetic  vision  to  behold 
her  stripling  brother,  over  whose  idleness  and  folly  she  had 
often  wept  bitter  tears,  developing  into  the  athletic,  honored, 
redeemed,  and  useful  citizen. 

"  We  shall  miss  you  sadly,  Harry,"  said  she,  when  the  story 
of  his  plans  and  expectations  was  fully  told ;  "  but  oh,  how 
happy  you  will  be  !  and  what  a  fund  of  interest  we  shall  have 
in  your  ne\v  farm  and  its  prospects  !  " 

"  You  will  not  be  ashamed  of  me  then,  when  I  come  home 
on  my  Sunday  visits?" 

"•  Ashamed?  I  shall  glory  in  you,  Harry.  I  only  wish  you 
were  to  be  with  us  constantly  ;  and  I  do  not  quite  understand 
now  why  you  thought  it  best  to  commence  operations  on  such 
a  distant  part  of  the  property." 

"  For  many  reasons,"  answered  Harry.  "  First  and  fore- 
most, the  advantages  of  transportation  are  infinitely  better 
there.  For  more  than  two  miles  the  land  borders  on  the  canal, 
and  there  is  a  large  and  growing  city  some  twenty  miles  dis- 
tant, which  will  furnish  a  permanent  market  for  grain.  Then, 
although  you  and  I  appreciate  the  dignity  of  labor,  and  feel  its 
necessity,  it  is  quite  the  reverse  with  father,  who  still  clings  to 
his  charts,  and  sees  a  fortune  marked  out  on  them.  It  would 
be  a  daily  torture  to  him  to  watch  the  upturning  of  this  land, 
for  any  purpose  so  humble  as  that  to  which  I  propose  to  con- 
vert it.  Besides,  I  am  not  sure  but  what  influences  me  more 
than  anything  else  is  the  fact  that  n\y  friend  Percival's  farm 
will  be  within  half  a  day's  ride  of  my  own.  By  the  way, 


380  MAR  EL    VAUGHAN. 

Mabel,"  added  he,  observing  an  eager  lighting  up  of  her  coun- 
tenance, "  I  did  not  think,  did  I,  to  tell  you  that  my  excellent, 
whole-souled  neighbor  is  the  son  of  your  charming  old  lady  — 
and  she  is  a  fine  old  lady,  to  be  sure.  I  saw  her  for  the  first 
time  last  week.  She  inquired  particularly  after  you  and  the 
children,  and  sent  her  love,  which  I  should  think  you  would  be 
proud  to  have." 

"  I  am,  indeed,"  exclaimed  Mabel  with  delight,  "  and  proud 
that  you  should  have  her  son  for  a  friend ;  he  must  be  a  noble 
man,  educated  by  such  a  mother.  Why  did  you  not  tell  me 
this  before  ?  It  wholly  alters  the  case.  What  a  pleasant  coin- 
cidence !  and  how  fortunate  you  are,  Harry !  You  will  have 
constant  enjoyment  in  the  society  of  that  family.  I  almost 
envy  you  the  privilege  of  living  near  our  dear  Madam  Per- 
cival." 

Harry  laughed  at  her  enthusiasm,  but,  at  the  same  time 
acknowledged  how  fully  he  shared  it.  "  Although  I  have 
learned  by  experience,"  said  he,  "to  be  cautious  in  forming 
friendships,  or  boasting  of  them,  I  do  believe  that  Percival's 
example,  and  the  influence  of  his  cheerful,  high-toned  charac- 
ter, will  do  more  than  anything  else  to  save  me  from  becoming 
disheartened  and  desponding,  —  especially  as  I  shall  not  always 
have  you  at  hand,  May.  It  is  strange  what  a  recollection 
constantly  haunts  me  of  having  seen  his  handsome  face  some- 
where before.  I  cannot  help  thinking  I  must  have  met  him 
when  I  was  travelling  in  Europe.  I  told  him  so  the  other 
clay,  when  he  spoke  of  having  been  abroad,  but  he  only  an- 
swered — '  possibly.' " 

As  the  season  was  now  nearly  at  hand  wThen  Harry's  pres- 
ence would  be  constantly  required  at  his  farm,  and  many  of 
his  arrangements  were  still  incomplete,  his  communication  to 
Mabel  was  but  the  precursor  to  his  bidding  her  farewell,  and 
a  few  weeks  later  saw  him  established  in  his  bachelor's  cot- 
tage, at  about  thirty  miles  distance,  which,  with  the  exception 
of  an  occasional  visit  to  his  family,  thenceforward  constituted 
his  permanent  residence.  His  father,  incredulous  of  his  per- 
severance, and  indifferent  to  such  trivial  schemes,  assented 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  381 

readily  to  the  proposition  which  his  son  made,  in  due  form,  for 
the  use  of  the  land,  but  manifested  neither  interest  nor  con- 
fidence in  the  result.  Mabel,  on  the  other  hand,  strong  in 
hope,  and  relying  on  Harry's  diligence  and  skill,  encouraged 
him  with  her  strong  faith,  and  strengthened  him  with  words 
of  cheer;  and  Harry,  remembering  and  believing  in  the 
promises,  sowed  his  seed  in  the  morning,  and  in  the  evening 
withheld  not  his  hand;  and  the  early  and  the  latter  rain 
watered  and  refreshed  his  furrows,  and  finally,  when  the 
autumn  came,  the  earth  brought  forth  her  increase. 


CHAPTER   XXXIII. 

To  nurse  the  sickness,  to  assuage  the  care, 
To  charm  the  sigh  into  the  happier  prayer  ; 
Forestall  the  unuttered  wish  with  ready  guess ; 
Wise  in  the  exquisite  tact  of  tenderness. 

NEW  TIMON. 

A  LETTER  from  Mabel  to  Mrs.  Herbert,  written  about  a 
year  and  a  half  subsequent  to  her  arrival  in  the  West,  fur- 
nishes, in  her  own  words,  the  best  index  to  her  mode  of  life, 
and  the  successive  changes  which  had,  within  that  period, 
transpired  in  the  household.  It  ran  as  follows :  — 

"  DEAR  MRS.  HERBERT  :  —  Your  kind  New  Year's  letter, 
with  all  the  pleasant  reminiscences,  affectionate  messages,  and 
loving  inquiries  from  yourself  and  the  dear  girls,  was  a  most 
welcome  proof  of  the  tender  interest  with  which  you  have 
followed  me  to  my  new  home,  and  claims  a  hearty  response ; 
though  before  I  have  answered  half  your  questions,  I  fear 
you  will  weary  of  my  Western  experiences.  We  have  now 
passed  two  winters  in  our  new  home,  and  begin  to  feel  our- 
selves old  settlers ;  —  the  more  so,  as  no  less  than  thirty  fami- 
lies have  established  themselves  in  the  village  since  our  arrival. 
As  we  are  a  little  on  the  outskirts  of  the  town,  however,  we 
have  no  near  neighbor,  except  Mr.  Gracie,  the  clergyman, 
who  lives  across  the  opposite  bit  of  prairie,  and  who,  with  his 
daughter,  are  our  most  intimate  and  esteemed  friends.  I  have 
frequently  spoken  of  Helen  in  my  letters,  so  her  name  and  many 
points  of  her  disposition  and  character  are  no  doubt  familiar  to 
you.  But  you  cannot  imagine  the  treasure  she  has  been 
to  me,  ever  since  the  first  moment  of  our  acquaintance.  Next 
to  yourself,  there  is  no  one  to  whom  I  am  so  much  indebted 
for  the  ease  and  pleasure  with  which  I  have  been  enabled  to 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  383 

adapt  myself  to  our  new  circumstances.  Care  sits  so  lightly 
on  her  shoulders,  and  she  knows  so  well  how  to  combine  em- 
ployment and  recreation,  that  in  her  society  the  most  impor- 
tant duties  cease  to  be  burdensome,  and  little  mishaps  afford 
only  new  occasion  for  merriment.  The  children  of  the  rough 
backwoodsmen,  who  are  among  her  father's  parishioners,  hear 
the  sound  of  her  horse's  feet,  and  run  to  meet  her  the  moment 
she  is  in  sight,  sure  of  some  trifling  gift,  a  story,  or  a  ride  on 
the  pony,  which  seems  to  be  common  property.  If  she  goes 
with  her  basket  of  medicines  to  visit  the  sick,  at  a  distance, 
she  comes  back  so  laden  with  flowers,  you  would  think  she 
had  been  a  Maying ;  and  an  old  Canadian  Indian  woman,  to 
whom  she  daily  reads  a  chapter  in  her  French  Bible,  declares 
her  voice  more  musical  than  running  water.  I  have  never 
seen  father  so  abstracted  with  the  cares  of  business  that  he 
has  not  a  pleasant  word  for  his  fairy  nurse,  as  he  calls  her, 
and  no  bribe  is  so  effectual  with  the  boys,  or  inducement 
rather  (for  I,  like  you,  scorn  the  use  of  bribes),  as  the  prom- 
ise of  an  evening  visit  to  Helen.  As  for  Harry  —  but  never 
mind  about  Harry — sisters  are  so  suspicious,  you  know,  where 
their  brothers  are  concerned. 

"  I  wish  you  could  see  Harry,  Mrs.  Herbert ;  you  would 
never  recognize  in  him  the  youthful  dandy  who  wore  such  ex- 
quisite straw-colored  kid  gloves,  and  boasted  such  a  faultless 
necktie.  Not  that  he  has  grown  slovenly — quite  the  reverse — 
but,  except  under  his  curls,  where  his  forehead  is  as  white  as 
ever,  his  complexion  is  completely  embrowned  by  the  sun ;  his 
figure  has  become  broad  and  firmly  knit,  and  he  lifts  me  in  his 
arms  as  if  I  was  only  a  feather's  weight ;  while  the  lassitude  of 
manner  which  was  always  apparent  in  him,  has  given  place  to 
the  quick,  earnest  movements  of  a  man  with  determined  motives 
in  life  and  an  honorable  aim.  Then  too,  he  is  so  happy,  and 
brings  such  animation  into  the  house  whenever  he  returns  home 
for  a  day  or  two,  and  I  am  so  proud  of  him !  Dear  Mrs.  Her- 
bert, you  must  come  out  here  sometime  or  other,  and  see  what 
a  worthy  member  of  society  you  have  helped,  by  your  influence, 
to  rear.  My  boys,  too,  I  9onsider  in  some  degree  objects  of 


384  MABEL    YAUGHAN. 

your  training,  for  they  are  daily  practising  the  same  round  of 
lessons  in  which.  I  now  thank  you  most  sincerely  for  having 
me  thoroughly  drilled.  I  am  their  only  teacher,  except  that 
Alick  studies  Greek  for  an  hour  every  day  with  Mr.  Gracie, 
and  their  improvement  is  regular  and  encouraging.  Murray 
is  backward  and  rather  dull  at  his  books,  though  a  very  smart 
boy  at  his  play.  He  is  a  good  reader,  but  has  not  yet  learned 
to  spell  correctly ;  and  he  experiences  all  the  distaste  I  once 
had  for  the  Latin  Grammar,  which  he  is  just  commencing ;  he 
has  lately  made  great  progress  in  his  Arithmetic,  which  I 
attribute  entirely  to  his  uncle  Harry's  having  told  him,  on  his 
last  visit  to  us,  that  he  must  devote  himself  especially  to  Mathe- 
matics, if  he  ever  wished  to  become  an  engineer,  a  vocation  on 
which  he  has  set  his  heart.  I  hope  I  shall  be  equally  fortunate 
in  suggesting  an  impulse  which  shall  influence  him  in  other 
pursuits.  With  Alick  I  am  obliged  to  adopt  quite  another 
course ;  the  only  fear  being,  that  he  will  injure  himself  by  his 
devotion  to  books.  He  devours  all  the  reading  matter  which 
comes  in  his  way,  and  his  greediness  for  knowledge  is  insatiable. 
I  am  obliged  to  invent  out-of-door  employments  for  him,  and 
entice  him  into  the  open  air  by  every  possible  means,  lest  his 
health  should  suffer  from  too  close  application.  He  is  a  re- 
markable child,  and  the  responsibility  of  his  moral  and  mental 
training  would  alarm  me,  if  I  were  not  blessed  with  the  aid  of 
our  good  Mr.  Gracie,  who  is  as  judicious  and  lovely  in  his  dis- 
position as  he  is  wonderful  in  his  attainments.  We  do,  indeed, 
enjoy  a  rare  privilege  in  having  such  a  man  for  our  friend  and 
pastor.  His  little  church  is  a  fountain  of  good  works,  and  his 
life,  as  well  as  his  preaching,  is  a  beautiful  illustration  of  the 
Christian  doctrine.  Beside  Hebrew,  Greek,  and  Latin,  in 
which  he  is  a  proficient,  he  is  an  excellent  French  and  German 
scholar,  and  is  so  versed  in  the  natural  sciences  that  he  is  able 
to  impart  a  lively  interest  to  all  our  simple  pursuits  and 
pleasures.  You  will  naturally  wonder  that  the  talents  of  this 
gifted  man  should  be  restricted  to  so  narrow  a  sphere;  but  it 
gives  added  power  and  beauty  to  his  self-sacrificing  labors,  that 
he  left  a  flourishing  church  at  the  Eastward,  and  came  hither 


MA.ISKL    V  A  U  Gil  AN.  385 

in  a  truly  missionary  spirit.  He  is  the  only  man  in  the  neigh- 
borhood who  is  my  father's  equal  in  years,  and  each  seems  to 
find  pleasure  and  benefit  in  the  other's  society. 

"  Of  my  housekeeping  I  have  already  furnished  you,  in  past 
letters,  with  many  of  the  details.  I  never  can  be  thankful 
enough  for  those  lessons  in  domestic  economy  which  1  learned 
under  your  roof,  and  which,  although  uncalled  for  during  one 
short  winter  in  New  York,  have  been  invaluable  ever  since. 
I  do  not  believe  that  people  generally  realize  how  much  girls 
acquire  from  observation,  and  how  much  of  their  future  skill  in 
every  branch  of  household  matters  is  due  to  this  sort  of  uncon- 
scious training. 

"  Do  you  remember  how  perseveringly  Em  and  I  used  to 
watch  all  your  operations  in  the  kitchen  on  baking  days,  art- 
fully suggesting  the  propriety  of  your  testing  the  heat  of  the 
oven  with  a  taster,  of  whose  merits,  when  well  baked,  we 
expected  to  be  the  judges?  I  was  reminded  of  it,  and  had 
reason  to  thank  you  for  your  patience  with  us,  when,  on  occa- 
sion of  my  making  my  first  Thanksgiving  pies,  Helen  Gracie 
came  over  to  assist  me,  and  declared  she  knew  I  must  be  an 
expert  in  the  business,  from  the  manner  in  which  I  held  the 
rolling-pin,  buttered  the  paste,  etc.,  in  all  which  proceedings  I 
was  only  the  creature  of  imitation.  I  still  retain  Melissa  in 
my  service,  thanks  to  the  attractions  of  James,  the  farmer,  who 
seems  very  slow  to  comprehend  the  partiality  with  which  he  is 
regarded  by  my  handmaiden.  James  is  not  what  our  neighbors 
would  call  a  forehanded  man,  and  is  blind  to  his  own  interests 
in  more  ways  than  one.  He  is  at  liberty  to  cultivate  as  much 
of  my  father's  land  as  he  pleases,  at  the  halves,  and  yet  he  is  so 
wanting  in  energy  that  I  can  not  perceive  the  slightest  extent 
in  the  boundaries  of  his  wheat  and  corn  fields,  or  in  the  number 
of  his  flocks  and  herds,  which  can  be  maintained  so  easily  in 
this  excellent  grazing  country. 

"  You  refer  to  my  lack  of  books,  periodicals,  etc.,  but  in  this 
respect  I  enjoy  a  rare  advantage.  Harry  resides  at  onfy  ten 
miles  distance  from  a  beautiful  estate,  called  the  Lake  Farm, 
owned  by  a  gentleman  of  taste  and  cultivation,*  with  whose 

.33 


o»  MABE-L    VAUGHAN. 

venerable  mother  I  have  the  privilege  of  claiming  a  warm 
friendship.  From  them  I  receive  regularly  everything  that  is 
new  and  valuable  in  English  literature ;  and  have  also  derived 
great  encouragement  in  the  study  of  German,  which  Helen  and 
I  are  pursuing  together,  and  for  which  I  contrive  to  reserve  a 
little  time  every  day,  in  spite  of  my  numerous  avocations  ;  —  for 
I  have  learned  the  truth  of  what  you  used  to  tell  us,  dear  Mrs. 
Herbert,  that  the  more  we  have  to  do,  the  more  time  we  find 
to  do  it  in. 

"•  I  wish  I  could  close  this  long  letter  by  giving  you  favora- 
ble accounts  of  my  father's  health,  in  which  you  always  express 
so  kind  an  interest.  You  would  think  him.  greatly  changed  ; 
his  hair  is  snowy  white,  his  figure  attenuated  and  bent,  and  he 
suffers  from  a  slight  lameness,  consequent  upon  his  injuries  at 
the  time  of  the  railroad  disaster.  If,  however,  he  could  be  per- 
suaded to  relinquish  the  cares  and  anxieties  of  business,  which 
I  trust  may  soon  be  the  case,  we  might  still  hope  to  see  him 
enjoy  tranquility  and  length  of  days ;  and  for  this  happy  ter- 
mination of  his  arduous  life,  I  never  cease  to  pray.  With  the 
warmest  love  to  Sue,  Em,  and  Charlie,  and  those  of  the  girls 
who  were  my  fellow  pupils, 

"  Ever  truly  and  affectionately  yours, 

"  MABEL  YAUGHAN." 

About  this  time  Mabel  received  a  communication  through 
the  post-office,  which  proved  the  occasion  of  much  thought, 
and  eventually  of  decisive  action.  Upon  first  perusing  it,  her 
countenance  expressed  a  just  and  generous  indignation,  and 
tliis  continued  to  be  the  prevailing  tone  of  her  feelings  during 
the  remainder  of  the  day.  The  quiet  evening  hours  afforded, 
however,  an  opportunity  for  meditation,  and  for  holding  counsel 
with  her  father,  who  assented  to  her  suggestions  with  his  usual 
air  of  indifference  to  all  things  connected  with  their  present 
mode  of  life,  and  the  next  morning  gave  evidence  of  the  con- 
clusion to  which  she  had  arrived ;  for,  after  carefully  inspect- 
ing the  size  and  furniture  of  their  best  vacant  room,  taking 
an  inventory^  as  it  were,  of  its  contents,  and  of  the  various 


MABEL    VAUGIIAX.  387 

comforts  which  that  and  the  house  generally  afforded,  she 
seated  herself  at  her  little  table,  and  committed  her  thoughts  to 
paper : — 

"DEAR  AUNT  SABIAII  : — thus  she  wrote  —  I  have  been 
wandering  about  the  house  for  the  last  half  hour,  asking  my- 
self whether  the  cottage-roofed  chamber  above  can  be  made 
warm  in  winter,  and  cool  in  summer,  whether  the  stairs  are 
not  too  steep  for  any  but  youthful  feet  to  climb,  whether  our 
parlor  is  not  too  contracted  for  comfort,  and  the  view  from  its 
windows  too  strange  and  dreary  to  ever  wear  the  look  of  home; 
and  I  have  concluded,  in  spite  of  all  disadvantages,  that,  with 
love  on  our  side,  and  the  earnest  wish  to  make  you  happy,  you 
would  be  far  more  comfortable  here,  than  in  my  aunt  Ilidg- 
way's  spacious  and  richly-furnished  mansion.  I  never  dared 
say  this  before.  I  never  ventured  to  breathe  the  hope  I  have 
long  had  at  heart,  for  I  knew  your  love  of  old  associations,  and 
your  dislike  of  change.  But  your  last  letter  has  made  me 
bold.  I  cannot  bear  the  thought  that  you  are  subjected  to 
such  trials,  such  hardships,  and  such  absolute  indignities,  as  I 
plainly  perceive  you  have  lately  been  made  to  suffer,  when 
here  you  would  be  independent,  appreciated,  and  beloved.  It 
is  true  we  have  not,  as  we  once  had,  luxuries  to  offer,  but  we 
have  all  the  necessaries  and  most  of  the  comforts  of  life,  and 
these,  too,  in  abundance ;  for  our  Western  lands  are  so  lavish 
in  their  produce,  that  hospitality  with  us  almost  ceases  to  be  a 
virtue.  Then,  too,  although  my  father,  as  you  well  know,  has 
sacrificed  everything  but  this  Western  property  for  the  pay- 
ment of  his  debts,  and  is  unwilling  to  dispose  of  any  portion  of 
the  estate  at  present,  Harry  is  gradually  bringing  a  large  part 
of  it  under  cultivation,  and,  if  his  success  continues,  the  rent 
which  he  insists  upon  paying,  will  not  only  furnish  us  with 
every  needed  supply,  but  enable  us  to  lay  by  something  for 
the  children's  education.  So,  even  if  your  poor  hands  are  dis 
abled  with  the  rheumatism,  you  need  not  fear  that  your  pres- 
ence here  will  be  the  burden  which  you  say  it  is  to  my  aunt 
Margaret.  On  the  contrary,  we  shall  hail  your  coming  with 


MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

delight,  and  shall  rejoice  to  contribute  in  every  way  to  your 
happiness.  I  have  consulted  father,  who  quite  agrees  with  me 
in  my  view  of  the  matter,  and  will,  I  am  sure,  be  rejoiced  to 
welcome  you.  The  boys  are  improving  very  much  as  they 
grow  older,  and  now  that  they  have  such  an  ample  play-ground, 
you  will  not  suffer  at  all  from  their  noise.  Our  village  shop- 
keeper goes  to  the  eastward  every  spring  for  the  purchase  of 
goods,  and  will  be  a  most  excellent  escort  on  the  journey.  You 
see  I  am  quite  taking  it  for  granted  you  will  come,  but  it  is 
because  I  feel  so  truly,  dear  aunt,  that  your  rightful  and 
natural  place  is  at  our  hearth-stone,  as  well  as  in  our  hearts  ; 
and  because  I  know  you  so  well  that  I  venture  to  believe  you 
will  not  disappoint  the  earnest  wishes  and  hopes  of 

''  Your  own  dear,  loving 

"  MABEL." 

This  cordial  invitation,  as  Mabel  had  justly  anticipated, 
resulted  in  the  arrival  of  Aunt  Sabiah,  who,  so  far  from  refus- 
ing the  summons,  accepted  it  with  joyful  gratitude;  and  one 
evening  in  the  month  of  May,  the  parlor  door  was  suddenly 
thrown  open,  and  Murray  rushed  in,  waving  a  stick  in  his 
hand,  and  exclaiming,  "  She  's  come  !  I  've  seen  her !  I  saw 
her  old  black  bonnet  just  getting  out  of  the  stage." 

"  Run,  then,  and  help  bring  her  parcels  up  to  the  house," 
cried  Mabel.  "  See,  Alick  has  got  the  start  of  you  already," 
and,  without  waiting  for  bonnet  or  shawl,  she  herself  hastened 
to  meet  her  aunt,  who,  left  by  the  inexorable  stage-driver, 
according  to  his  custom,  at  the  turn  of  the  road,  was  looking 
about  her  with  a  bewildered  air.  A  moment  more,  and  Sabiah 
was  toiling  up  the  gentle  slope  which  led  to  the  house,  leaning 
on  the  arm  of  her  joyfully  excited  niece,  whose  circle  of  loved 
ones  was  now  complete,  while  Alick  and  Murray,  whose  shout 
of  welcome  had  been  followed  by  eager  offers  of  assistance, 
were  stumbling  along  as  they  best  might,  laden  with  the  trav- 
eller's smaller  articles  of  baggage. 

"  Bless  my  heart,  do  see  them  boys  ! "  cried  Sabiah,  as  Mur- 
ray rushed  past  with  a  band-box  on  his  head  (upside  down,  as 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  389 

an  examination  of  its  contents  afterwards  proved),  and  Alick 
might  be  heard  breathing  hard,  as  he  followed  behind,  tugging 
at  a  small,  old-fashioned  trunk.  "  Now  ain't  they  grown  con- 
siderate and  strong  ?  La's  me  !  they  do  n't  look  like  the 
same  children ;  and  how  civil  spoken  they  are,  too  !  And  so 
I  Ve  got  here  at  last,  have  I  ?  "  continued  she,  as  she  entered 
the  family  sitting-room,  and  weary  with  her  long  journey,  sank 
into  the  nearest  chair,  exhausted,  and  not  a  little  agitated. 
"Well,  it's  a  long  road,  but  it  has  come  to  a  blessed  end;"  and 
after  fumbling  in  vain  with  a  trembling  hand  at  her  shawl  pin 
and  bonnet  strings,  she  submitted,  as  she  never  had  sub- 
mitted in  her  life  before,  while  Mabel,  kneeling  on  the  floor 
beside  her,  gently  removed  her  various  wrappings,  and  suc- 
ceeded in  discovering  her  cap  amid  the  chaos  which  Murray 
had  created  in  the  band-box. 

Nor  was  it  merely  the  fatigue  of  travelling,  and  the  agita- 
tion of  arrival,  which  had  reduced  Sabiah  to  helplessness  and 
dependence.  Two  years  residence  with  Mrs.  Ridgway  had 
accomplished  what  her  mother's  injustice  and  fretfulness,  and 
years  of  loneliness  and  neglect  had  failed  to  do ;  and  with  a 
spirit  and  health  utterly  broken,  and  a  self-reliant  will  entirely 
subdued  by  her  sister's  hard  and  overbearing  treatment,  the 
crushed,  enfeebled,  and  prematurely  aged  woman  had  thank- 
fully sought  the  repose  and  shelter  of  her  brother's  humble 
home,  and  Mabel's  unquestioned  affection. 

And  how  welcome  wei'3  they  to  the  aching  heart  which, 
amid  the '  abodes  of  wealth,  had  sighed  for  some  quiet,  unpre 
tending  spot,  where,  without  the  oppressive  sense  of  intrusion 
or  restraint,  she  might  spend  the  remainder  of  her  days  in  a 
round  of  simple  usefulness,  and  in  an  atmosphere  of  love. 
Mabel  would  scarcely  have  apologized  in  her  letter  for  the 
plain  furniture,  the  clumsy  stair-case,  the  low-roofed  rooms,  or 
the  solitude  of  the  place,  could  she  have  foreseen  the  sense  of 
peace  and  security  which  their  very  simplicity  imparted  to  her 
aunt,  awakening  at  once  the  thought,  "  Here  I  can  feel  at 
home  !  "  Nor  would  she  for  a  moment  have  doubted  her  own 
unaided  power  to  make  the  new  inmate  happy,  could  she  have 


y  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

realized  the  ever  increasing  satisfaction  with  which  the  deso- 
late heart  would  treasure  up  for  days  and  years  her  first  im- 
pulsive outbreak,  as  she  threw  her  arms  around  the  tottering 
figure,  exclaiming,  "  Dear  aunt,  we  have  got  you  back  at  last ; 
we  shall  never  let  you  go  again ! " 

"  Well,  really  now,  Mabel,"  said  Sabiah.  as  she  seated  herself 
after  tea,  at  a  window,  and  drawing  a  huge  ball  of  yam  from 
her  pocket,  commenced  setting  up  a  stocking,  "I  don't  see  such 
a  great  ditference,  after  all,  between  this  country  and  what  I've 
been  used  to  at  the  East.  That  'ere  great  field,  prairie,  or  what- 
ever you  call  it,  is  pretty  much  like  our  meadows  at  home,  only 
it  ain't  fenced  off;  and  ri\rers  are  rivers  anywhere,  and  always 
will  run  down  hill,  and  trees  are  trees,  and  sky's  sky,  and  as  to 
the  people,  you  say  they  're  most  all  New  England  settlers  so 
I  do  n't  see  as  there 's  anything  heathenish  about  the  place  after 
all." 

"  Heathenish  ! "  exclaimed  Mabel,  who  had  been  replacing 
the  tea-cups  in  the  closet,  putting  the  room  in  order,  and  arrang- 
ing everything  pleasantly  for  the  evening,  but  who  now  came 
and  stood  looking  over  her  aunt's  shoulder,  "  who  calls  this 
noble  country  heathenish  ?  " 

"  Oil,  your  aunt  Margaret  calls  it  by  that  name,  and  plenty 
that  are  worse." 

"  I  was  going  to  say  T  should  resent  the  charge,"  said  Mabel, 
laughing ;  "but  I  should  have  so  many  more  serious  ones  to 
settle  with  her  first  on  your  account,  aunt,  that  her  abuse  of 
the  country  merely,  would  come  very  low  on  the  list ;  so  we 
must  let  it  pass,  I  suppose.  But-  these  boundless  woods,  and 
lakes,  and  prairies,  are  well  able  to  defend  themselves;  —  they 
excite  one's  activity  and  energy,  too,  by  their  richness  and 
munificence.  I  am  sure  I  never  look  upon  them  without  feel- 
ing strengthened  for  everything  that  is  good,  and  great,  and 
generous." 

"  La,  dear,"  said  Aunt  Sabiah.  "  you  never  needed  to  look 
out  of  doors  to  learn  that ;  you  always  had  it  in  you.  Have  n't 
you  given  up  everything  for  other  folks?  Didn't  Louise 
impose  upon  you  as  long  as  she  lived  ?  And  were  n't  you  the 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  391 

making  of  Harry  ?  And  do  n't  these  healthy,  good  behaved 
boys  speak  for  themselves  ?  And  I  —  well,  I  can't  speak  — 
I  can  only  just  thank  the  Lord  inwardly  for  my  share  of  the 
blessing,  and  pray  that  you  may  get  your  reward  one  of  these 
days  —  that's  all." 

u  Reward,  aunt ! "  said  Mabel,  fervently,  "  I  have  done  little 
enough,  and  have  wasted  many  a  good  opportunity  that  will 
never  come  again,  —  but  what  reward  can  I  ask  that  I  have 
not  got  already  ?  —  my  duties  all  bring  their  pleasures  with 
them.  I  am  so  proud  of  Harry,  and  the  boys  and  I  love  each 
other  so  dearly,  —  and  I  have  got  my  good  auntie  back  to  knit 
stockings  for  us  all,  and  —  but  here  comes  my  father,"  and  her 
playful  tone  changed  to  one  of  deep  sadness ;  "  I  cannot  boast 
that  I  have  kept  him  well  and  strong; — poor  old  gentleman — 
see  how  changed  he  is." 

"Can  that  be  my  brother  John?  Well,  he  is  altered,  I 
declare,  —  but  it  is  n't  your  fault,  child ;  —  he  has  grown  old, 
to  be  sure,  though,"  and  Mabel  and  her  aunt  watched  him  with 
mournful  interest,  as,  alighting  from  a  shabby  wagon,  he  fast- 
ened his  jaded  horse  to  a  post,  with  the  air  of  one  not  yet 
familiarized  to  the  necessity  of  performing  such  offices  for  him- 
self, and  then  walked  feebly  in  the  direction  of  the  house.  He 
seemed  really  glad  to  see  Sabiah;  there  was  something  touch- 
ing, too,  in  his  reception  of  her,  as  if  misfortunes  had  replaced 
him  in  the  position  from  which  she  had  never  arisen,  and  so 
united  them  more  closely  in  interest  and  in  heart.  He  felt 
instinctively  that  she  would  not  perceive  or  suffer  from  the 
deficiences  in  his  present  establishment,  and  there  was  some- 
thing soothing  in  the  sight  of  her,  and  in  the  thought  that  she 
would  relieve  Mabel's  solitude,  and  perhaps  share  the  labors  to 
which  he  could  not,  though  he  strove  to,  be  blind ;  and  so, 
whatever  her  fears  might  have  been  in  regard  to  the  welcome 
she  should  receive  from  her  brother,  they  were  relieved  at  once 
by  his  manner,  and  Sabiah  felt  herself  fully  installed  in  the 
household. 

And  now  succeeded  days,  months,  and  even  years,  of  almost 
uninterrupted  calm.  Mabel's  life,  like  most  human  lives,  had 


392  MABEL    VAUGHAX. 

presented  a  period  of  rapid  incident,  startling  vicissitudes,  sud- 
den bereavement,  and  great  and  increasing  responsibilities. 
But  to  her,  as  to  most  persons  who  have  experienced  such  a 
crisis,  there  had  come  a  season  when  the  spirits  of  revolution, 
disquiet,  and  change,  which  are  ever  rife  in  the  world,  seemed 
for  a  time  to  have  forsaken  Mr.  \raughan's  quiet  dwelling,  and 
time  in  its  noiseless  and  scarcely  realized  progress,  marked  no 
striking  or  memorable  event  on  the  household  calendar.  Harry 
still  continued  at  his  farm,  gradually  widening  the  limits  of  his 
rich  grain  lands,  planting  young  orchards,  building  store-houses 
and  barns,  and  reaping  the  fruits  of  his  manly  toil  in  the  high 
health,  cheerful  spirits,  and  sturdy  independence,  which  are  the 
sure  rewards  of  honest  and  well-directed  labor.  From  this 
source,  too,  his  father's  family  derived  their  chief  means  of  sup- 
port; for  though  Mr.  Vaughan  had  scorned  to  receive  his  son's 
yearly  appropriation  in  the  form  of  rent,  and  seemed  with 
strange  pertinacity  to  ignore  the  wants  of  his  household,  he 
could  not  shut  his  eyes  to  the  fact  that  all  the  family  supplies 
were  forwarded  by  Harry,  nor  could  he  be  insensible  to  the 
comforts  which  were  purchased  with  the  surplus  cash,  paid 
regularly  into  Mabel's  hands,  and  by  her  expended  for  the 
common  good. 

The  old  man  persisted,  however,  in  considering  these  mere 
temporary  expedients,  and  still  continued  to  dream  by  night 
and  day  of  the  prospective  fortune  which  he  and  his  children 
were  yet  to  realize,  forgetting,  in  his  sad  infatuation,  that  on  a 
swifter  and  a  surer  road  than  that  for  the  success  of  which  he 
planned  and  schemed,  his  only  adversary,  relentless  time,  was 
steadily  bearing  him  downward  to  the  grave. 

Meanwhile,  Sabiah's  bruised  and  wounded  spirit  revived 
under  the  soothing  influence  of  affection  ;  her  stiff  and  angular 
traits,  both  of  thought  and  action,  became  softened  by  Mabel's 
persuasive  and  winning  grace,  and  gently  and  unconsciously 
she  slid  into  that  household  niche  for  which  nature  had  seemed 
to  destine  her.  The  light  and  irresponsible,  though  somewhat 
monotonous  duties  which  she  voluntarily  assumed,  became  her 
pastime  and  her  pride ;  the  respectful  attention  with  which  she 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  393 

was  invariably  treated  laid  to  rest  every  suspicion  that  she 
might  be  deemed  an  intruder ;  and  the  confidence  with  which 
she  was  received  into  family  discussions  and  counsels,  made 
her  interests  one  with  those  of  her  young  relatives. 

Her  dread  of  strangers  seemed  as  great  as  ever,  for  Mabel 
could  not  but  observe  that  the  first  allusion  to  Helen  Gracie, 
•as  a  neighbor  and  friend,  caused  her  aunt  to  start  and  shrink 
with  seeming  annoyance  and  alarm,  exclaiming  at  the  same 
time,  "  Who  io  she  ?  I  never  heard  of  her  before."  And  when 
Mabel  replied,  "  A  dear  little  friend  of  ours,  daughter  of  our 
minister,"  Sabiah  turned  away  rather  shortly,  as  if  (at  least,  so 
Mabel  interpreted  the  movement,)  ministers  and  their  daugh- 
ters were  among  the  inevitable  trials  of  earth.  It-was  surpris- 
ing, therefore,  what  a  cordial  and  tender  friendship  eventually 
sprang  up  between  the  faded  spinster  and  this  sweet  fragile 
flower  of  the  prairie.  At  first  Sabiah  only  watched  her  with 
an  observant,  critical  eye ;  then,  after  a  few  interviews,  spoke 
to  her  with  a  more  than  common  interest,  and  Mabel  smiled  to 
see  how  frequently  she  would  lay  her  hand  on  the  fair  girl's 
head  with  a  degree  of  tenderness  which  she  was  not  wont  to 
manifest.  Finally,  no  one  could  tell  how  or  why,  it  became 
an  established  custom  and  a  well-confirmed  understanding,  that 
the  seat  next  to  Aunt  Sabiah,  whether  at  the  table  or  the  fire- 
side, was  sacred  to  Helen  whenever  she  chose  to  occupy  it ; 
and  it  was  an  equally  acknowledged  fact,  that  no  one,  not  even 
Mabel  herself,  held  a  more  certain  place  in  her  shrunken  and 
exclusive  heart,  than  the  minister's  lovely  and  loving  child. 

With  the  minister  himself,  however,  Sabiah  never  seemed 
disposed  to  cultivate  any  acquaintance.  Perhaps  his  conver- 
sation was  too  elevated  to  please  her  taste ;  for  he  was  such  a 
philosopher,  scholar,  and  naturalist,  that  he  frequently  soared 
into  the  regions  of  scholastic  lore,  and  it  might  be  that  such 
"  high  talk,"  as  Sabiah  used  in  old  times  to  stigmatize  conver- 
sation of  this  class,  wearied  her;  for  she  never  engaged  with 
Mr.  Gracie  in  conversation  upon  any  topic,  often  left  the  parlor 
when  he  was  seen  approaching,  and  sometimes,  when  every  one 


394  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

else  thought  him  uncommonly  interesting,  she  would  quietly 
slip  out  of  the  room  and  go  to  bed. 

These  very  circumstances,  however,  were  a  manifestation  of 
that  independence  which,  in  her  present  simple  and  unartilicial 
life,  Sabiah  now  enjoyed,  and  in  all  things  it  was  easy  to  per- 
ceive that  at  last  the  solitary  woman  had  found  the  sanctuary 
which  her  spirit  craved,  and  was  an  honored,  respected  member 
of  a  happy  home. 

And  in  this  home  Mabel  continued  to  be  as  she  had  been 
from  the  beginning  —  the  presiding  genius.  She  walked,  talked, 
studied,  and  played  with  the  boys,  encouraging  them  by  her 
example,  inciting  them  by  her  earnestness,  cheering  them  by 
her  mirth,  and  governing  them  by  her  love. 

And  if  she  sometimes  felt  half  impatient  with  the  tedious 
and  self-imposed  tasks  which  their  education  involved,  and 
sighed  with  weariness  as  she  bent  her  head  over  the  difficult 
translation  or  intricate  problem  which  she  must  herself  master 
before  she  could  play  the  part  of  instructress  to  her  nephews, 
she  was  more  than  recompensed  for  the  effort  when  she  noticed 
the  respect  which  they  involuntarily  paid  to  her  superior 
knowledge.  Nor  was  the  advantage  which  she  thus  acquired 
confined  to  a  single  occasion.  It  served  to  confirm  her  general 
influence,  and  strengthen  her  power  to  guide  and  direct  their 
minds;  for  no  boy  is  less  susceptible  to  the  loving  sway  of 
woman  because  his  intellect,  as  well  as  his  heart,  pays  her 
homage. 

With  her  own  and  Harry's  friends  at  Lake  Farm  she  was 
in  constant  correspondence;  and  though,  as  yet,  there  had*been 
no  opportunity  for  an  often-projected  exchange  of  visits,  she 
was  daily  brought  into  close  proximity  with  their  minds  and 
thoughts.  Madam  Percival  seemed  ever  to  have  her  happi- 
ness and  improvement  at  heart.  Books,  pamphlets,  and  news- 
papers were  forwarded  to  her  almost  weekly,  and  during  a 
period  of  more  than  a  year,  which  was  passed  by  the  good  lady 
herself  in  New  York,  there  was  no  deficiency  in  the  supply. 
While  thus  receiving  continual  proof  of  the  thoughtfulness  of 
her  brother's  friend,  she  was  also,  by  the  selection  of  authors, 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  395 

the  marked  passages,  and  the  notes  pencilled  in  a  manly  hand, 
brought  into  familiar  intercourse  with  the  vigorous,  cultivated, 
and  original  intellect,  the  generous,  expansive,  and  philanthropic 
heart  of  Percival.  Nor  was  it  by  these  means  only  that  she 
learned  to  set  an  exalted  estimate  upon  the  character  of  this 
noble-spirited,  enterprising,  and  truly  gifted  man.  The  voice 
of  public  opinion,  as  likewise  Harry's  confirming  testimony, 
soon  marked  him  as  one  destined  to  do  honor  to  his  country 
and  the  world.  Though  his  flourishing  estate,  which  he  had 
himself  redeemed  from  the  wilderness,  was  the  place  dearest 
to  his  affections,  it  was  not  here  alone,  or  principally,  that  his 
duties  centred,  for  he  had  been  trained  to  the  profession  of  the 
law ;  and  while  all  his  leisure  time  was  devoted  to  agricultural 
pursuits,  the  large  and  rapidly  increasing  city,  at  some  ten 
miles'  distance,  was  the  scene  of  his  legal  labors.  Here  it  was 
his  exalted  province,  and  one  which  he  strove  to  prove  worthy 
of  man's  highest  powers, — not  to  foster  differences,  but  to  allay 
them ;  not  to  embitter  the  heart,  but  to  reconcile  human  disa- 
greements and  rights; — at  once  seeking  to  promote  peace  on 
earth  and  good  will  to  men,  and  redeeming  one  of  the  noblest 
professions  from  the  discredit  which  has  been  heaped  upon  it 
by  false,  designing,  and  self-seeking  slaves  of  sin,  unworthy  to 
style  themselves  servants  of  the  law.  Nor  holding,  as  he  did, 
to  the  highest  standard  of  truth  and  right,  and  bringing  to  the 
cause  the  most  shining  abilities,  could  his  talents  long  continue 
obscure,  or  his  name  unknown.  He  was  acknowledged  far 
and  wide  as  the  man  whom  the  people  trusted,  and  though  he 
had  perseveringly  declined  all  public  office,  his  personal  influ- 
ence and  sway  were  widely  felt  and  exercised. 

Had  Mabel  known  no  other  interest  in  him  than  that  which 
one  earnest,  truth-loving  mind  cherishes  for  another  of  the  same 
scope  and  order,  her  enthusiasm  would  have  been  readily 
enkindled  by  the  reports  which  reached  her  of  his  honorable 
and  well-earned  fame.  As  it  was,  she  read  his  arguments 
with  as  intense  a  zeal  as  if  the  cause  had  been  her  own ;  studied 
his  character  through  the  various  means  which  were  open  to 
her;  sympathized  in  his  principles,  and,  unconsciously  to  herself, 


396  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

made  him  the  model  by  which  she  strove  to  mould  her  nephews 
to  the  stature  of  honest  and  upright  men. 

Thus,  dwelling  in  a  neighborhood  which  presented  but  few 
of  the  refinements  of  life,  associating  constantly  with  boys  just 
ripening  into  manhood,  engaging  with  them  in  some  of  the 
sterner  studies  usually  confined  to  their  sex,  and  cultivating  an 
intimate  acquaintance  with  a  mind  accustomed  to  grapple  with 
subjects  of  vital  interest  to  society  and  the  State,  it  might  have 
been  feared  that  Mabel's  manners  would  lose  something  of  their 
delicacy ;  that  the  sweet  and  feminine  graces  which  constitute 
woman's  highest  charm,  would  give  place  to  bustling  activity, 
or  misplaced  enthusiasm,  and  that  her  tone  of  thought,  if  not 
her  mode  of  expression,  would  become  masculine  and  harsh. 

But  could  Mabel  have  been  so  utterly  false  to  her  truer  self, 
to  that  divine  and  saintly  spirit,  by  the  aid  of  which  all  her 
victories  had  hitherto  been  won,  there  was  an  influence  ever  at 
work  to  keep  alive  the  tenderest  emotions  of  her  heart,  and 
call  into  action  all  those  gentle  sympathies  which  soften,  chasten, 
and  subdue  the  soul. 

For  there  was  one  shadow  ever  darkening  on  the  hearth- 
stone, and  reflecting  itself  in  the  heart  and  on  the  countenance 
of  the  young  girl,  who  watched  over  her  aged,  care-worn,  dis- 
appointed father,  as  if  she  had  been  the  fostering  parent  and 
he  a  feeble  child.  And,  as  a  mother's  heart  grows  purer, 
stronger,  holier,  amid  her  anxieties,  cares,  and  fears  for  her 
suffering  infant,  the  soul  of  Mabel  became  more  and  more  im- 
bued with  sweet,  womanly  tenderness,  as  she  learned  a  new 
lesson  of  sacred  love  at  the  altar  of  filial  duty. 

Thus,  as  time  passed  on,  and  every  succeeding  year  ripened 
and  enlarged  her  mind,  and  her  genial  and  sunny  temper  shed 
light  and  gladness  on  her  earthly  sphere,  there  was  ever  one 
sad  and  plaintive  strain  mingling  in  the  harmony  of  her  life, 
one  subject  of  faith,  and  hope,  and  prayer,  which  kept  her  heart 
turned  heavenward. 


CHAPTER   XXXIV. 

The  heart's  affection  —  secret  thing  ! 
Is  like  the  cleft  rock's  ceaseless  spring, 
Which  free  and  independent  flows 
Of  summer  rains  or  winter  snows. 
The  fox-glove  from  its  side  may  fall, 

The  heath-bloom  fade,  or  moss  flower  white ; 
But  still  its  runlet,  bright  though  small, 

Will  issue  sweetly  to  the  light. 

JOANNA  BAILLIB. 

OF  Mabel  Vaughan,  the  brilliant  ball-room  beauty,  we  have 
given  no  detailed  description ;  merely  hinting  at  the  peculiar 
charms  which  characterized  her,  and  leaving  it  to  the  reader's 
fancy  to  fill  out  the  picture,  since  beauty  is  the  same  all  the 
world  over,  subject  only  to  differences  of  taste.  Mabel  Vaughan 
at  twenty-five,  however,  merits  a  less  brief  introduction  ;  for 
time,  without  robbing  her  of  youthful  bloom,  has  developed  in 
her  traits  which  are  less  universally  recognized,  which  are  felt 
rather  than  acknowledged,  and  which  are  but  the  outward  sign 
and  expression  of  an  inward  truth.  The  face,  doubtless,  is  the 
same.  The  complexion  has  lost  nothing  of  its  fairness ;  the 
full  brown  eye  glows  with  as  soft  a  light ;  the  smile  which  plays 
around  the  mouth  is  as  spontaneous  and  attractive  ;  and  the 
chestnut  hair,  on  which  Cecilia  had  been  proud  to  lavish  all  her 
skill,  is  as  rich  and  glossy  as  ever,  though  far  less  elaborately 
arranged.  But  the  face  is  the  mirror  of  the  soul,  and  as  such 
it  unconsciously  reveals  the  emotions  that  are  passing  within, 
and  borrows  from  the  chastened  heart  a  serene  and  holy  radi- 
ance, which  illuminates  every  feature,  like  a  halo  on  the  brow 
of  a  saint.  Thus,  the  light  which  now  beams  from  her  eye  is 
not  excited  by  gratified  vanity,  nor  by  flattering  tongues,  but  by 
the  quick  fire  of  earnest  purpose  and  of  ardent  truth  the  smile 

34 


398  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

upon  her  countenance  springs  not  from  the  mere  effervescence 
of  girlish  spirits,  but  from  unfailing  cheerfulness  and  sympathy 
with  others'  joy ;  the  serene  peace  which  enfolds  her  like  a 
mantle,  has  not  its  source  in  the  promise  of  pleasure,  or  luxu- 
rious ease,  but  in  calm,  confiding  trust,  and  in  the  reflection  of 
each  day's  duty  done. 

It  is  a  balmy  summer's  evening,  and,  with  her  head  resting 
on  her  hand,  she  sits  on  the  door-step  of  her  father's  house, 
looking  out  upon  the  wide  prairie,  on  which  the  moonlight  falls 
in  an  unbroken  sheet  of  silver  light,  giving  to  the  long  grass,  as 
it  waves  to  and  fro  in  the  gentle  breeze,  a  strange  likeness  to 
the  rolling  swell  of  ocean.  The  prospect  is  vast,  grand,  and 
unbroken ;  the  hour  is  a  quiet  one,  and  Mabel  is  lost  in  medita- 
tion,—  not  in  a  meditation  proportioned  to  the  sublimity  of  the 
scene,  though  she  now  and  then  gazes  into  the  dim  distance, 
with  reverential  awe,  but  in  simple,  loving  thoughts,  concerning 
her  home  and  its  various  members  —  wondering  where  the 
boys  can  be,  for  they  went  fishing  early  in  the  afternoon,  and 
whether  her  father  may  not  be  spending  the  evening  with  Mr. 
Gracie,  and  if  it  is  not  probable  that  her  aunt,  in  the  inner 
room,  has  fallen  asleep  in  her  chair,  and  what  can  have  become 
of  Harry,  who  is  at  home  for  a  day,  but  has  been  out  of  sight 
for  some  hours.  The  latter  subject  of  self-inquiry  is  presently 
set  at  rest,  as,  looking  in  the  direction  of  the  grove  by  the  river 
bank,  she  sees  him  approaching,  and  some  one  with  him. 
"  Yes  —  no  —  yes,  to  be  sure,  it  is  Helen."  But  she  does  not 
wonder  at  that ;  they  are  walking  slowly  and  talking  confiden- 
tially, too  —  but  neither  does  she  wonder  at  that.  She  does 
wonder,  however,  as,  on  drawing  near  the  house,  Harry  leaves 
his  companion  and  goes  off  to  speak  with  farmer  James,  while 
Helen,  seeing  her  on  the  door-step,  springs  towards  her,  throws 
her  arms  around  her  neck,  hides  her  cheek  against  hers,  and 
sobs  like  a  child. 

"  Why  Helen,  dear  Helen,"  cries  Mabel,  in  alarm,  "  what  is 
the  matter  ?  Have  you  and  Harry  had  a  quarrel?  " 

"  No.    Oh,  no,  we  never  had  a  quarrel  in  our  lives,"  exclaims 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  399 

Helen.  "  Dear  Mabel,  how  I  love  you.  I  never  knew  until 
now,  how  much  reason  I  had  to  love  you !  " 

"What!  for  Harry's  sake?" 

"  Yes,  and  for  mine,  and  for  everybody's  that  loves  him,  and 
is  proud  of  him  ;  he  has  been  telling  me,"  said  she,  lowering 
her  voice  to  the  softest  whisper,  "  what  he  never  told  me  before, 
—  how  he  struggled  and  fell,  and  never  could  have  risen  again 
but  for  you ;  how  you  followed  him  and  prayed  •  for  him,  and 
loved  him,  and  saved  him." 

Helen's  tones  were  broken,  as  she  uttered  these  few  words. 
Mabel  tried  to  speak,  but  her  voice  also  failed  her,  and,  for  a 
few  moments,  the  two  girls  mingled  their  tears. 

Helen  was  the  first  to  recover  herself.  "  Think  how  noble 
he  has  been,  Mabel!"  exclaimed  she.  "He  never  asked  me  to 
be  his  wife  before*.  I  do  not  believe  he  would  have  now, 
if__if__» 

"  I  know,"  exclaimed  Mabel,  with  a  soothing  tenderness  of 
tone ;  "  dear  child,  I  know  !  " 

"  Papa  spoke  in  his  hearing,  this  afternoon,  of  leaving  me  all 
alone  in  the  world,"  said  Helen,  "  and  I  could  not  bear  to  hear 
him  talk  so ;  and  Harry  could  not  bear  it,  —  and  so  it  gave  him 
courage  to  say  to  me  to-night  what  he  never  dared  say  before. 
Oh,  the  coward,  to  think  I  would  not  trust  him ! " 

"  Poor  fellow,  he  has  undergone  a  long  probation,"  said 
Mabel. 

"Five  whole  years,"  said  Helen.  "Think  of  it!  It  has 
been  so  different  for  me ;  I  knew  all  the  time  that  he  loved  me, 
and  I  had  so  much  to  do  for  father  and  the  people,  and  we  have 
all  been  so  happy  together,  hearing  from  Harry,  and  enjoying 
his  little  visits,  and  the  time  has  seemed  so  short ;  and  I  never 
looked  forward  to  the  future  —  but  he,  living  all  alone,  serving 
out  an  apprenticeship  to  his  conscience,  with  nobody  to  cheer 
him,  and  all  the  while  dwelling  on  the  past,  and  doubtful  for  the 
future — O  Mabel,  he  has  proved  himself  a  hero !  " 

"  You  do  not  love  him  any  the  less  then,  Helen,  for  his  con- 
fessions ?  " 

"  No,  indeed !  but  far,  far  better ;  he  has  gained  a  victory 


400  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

over  himself,  and  is  greater  in  my.  eyes  than  if  he  were  the 
conqueror  of  nations." 

"  ITe  has  his  reward,"  said  Mabel ;  "  he  \vill  be  able  to  boast 
of  the  best  little  wife  in  the  world,  and  I  of  the  dearest  of  sis- 
ters," and  she  kissed  her  affectionately. 

"  We  ought  to  love  one  another,  all  of  us,"  said  Helen,  with 
deep  feeling,  as  she  returned  Mabel's  embrace,  "  and  the  more 
so,  because  we  do  not  know  how  soon  it  may  be  God's  will  to 
part  us.  Oh,  how  our  best  blessings  and  bitterest  sorrows  are 
mingled  together  in  this  world.  My  dear,  dear  papa !  I  must 
go  home  to  him  now  ;"  and,  as  Harry  made  his  appearance 
round  the  corner  of  the  house,  she  bade  Mabel  good  night, 
joined  him,  and,  putting  her  arm  confidingly  in  his,  Avalked 
away  in  the  direction  of  the  parsonage. 

Mabel  was  still  sitting  on  the  steps  when  Harry  returned, 
although  he  had  been  gone  an  hour,  for  he  staid  to  receive  an 
old  man's  blessing  and  the  free  gift  of  his  only  child.  It  was 
now  his  turn  to  claim  her  loving  sympathy.  "Mabel,"  said  he, 
as  he  took  a  seat  beside  her,  and  put  his  arm  around  her  waist, 
"  have  I.  done  wrong?" 

"  Wrong  in  waiting  so  long,  Harry,  and  enduring  so  much 
unnecessary  suspense?" 

"  No,  in  claiming  Helen  at  last.  What  right  have  I  to  such 
a  blessing?" 

"  The  right  of  a  man  who  has  proved  himself  worthy  of  it." 

"But,  ought  I  thus  to  take  advantage  of  Helen's  guileless, 
simple-hearted  nature  ?  Would  a  less  unworldly  woman  con- 
fide in  me  as  she  does,  knowing  all?" 

"A  less  unworldly  woman  could  not  appreciate  your  self- 
conquest,  Harry;  it  is  only  the  humble,  Christian  heart  which 
can  sympathize  with  human  weakness,  and  rightly  estimate 
human  victories.  I  should  not  think  Helen  worthy  of  you, 
if  she  undervalued  the  firm  and  noble  effort  by  which  you 
have  overcome  evil  with  good.  It  is  because  she  knows  how 
to  prize  the  hero  of  such  a  hard-fought  battle,  that  I  feel 
sure  she  can  be  trusted  with  the  future  happiness  of  my 
brother." 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  401 

"  There  are  few  who  have  such  encouragements  for  effort, 
and  such  motives  for  perseverance  as  I  have  had,"  said  Harry. 
"  Helen's  love  may  be  my  reward,  but  it  is  yours,  Mabel, 
which  has  saved  me.  God  bless  you  for  it !  There  would  be 
more  such  victories  among  men,  if  there  were  more  such  sisters 
as  mine  in  the  world." 

The  failure  in  the  health  of  the  village  pastor,  and  the  pro- 
phetic warning  of  his  approaching  death,  which  had  brought 
about  the.  mutual  acknowledgment  of  a  five  years  attachment 
between  his  daughter  and  Harry,  were  followed  by  still  more 
alarming  signs  of  physical  prostration,  and  it  soon  became  evi- 
dent that  this  faithful  servant  of  God  must  soon  be  called  from 
the  sphere  of  hif  earthly  usefulness.  He  had  for  many  weeks 
ceased  to  officiate  in  his  church — a  neat  edifice  recently  erected 
by  his  now  prosperous  congregation — and  though  his  interest 
in  the  people  of  his  affections  was  undiminished,  his  labors 
among  them  were  at  an  end,  and  his  duties  were  about  to  be 
assumed  by  another.  This  immediate  choice  of  a  successor 
had  been  made  at  Mr.  Grade's  urgent  request,  as  it  was.  his- 
wish,  before  his  departure,  to  see  one  fitted  for  the  sacred  office 
installed  in  his  place;  and,  although  now  reduced  to  excessive 
feebleness,  he  listened  with  eager  attention  as,  from  Sabbath  to 
Sabbath,  he  was  cheered  with  accounts  of  the  success  with 
which  the  new  laborer  wrought  in  the  vineyard  of  his  planting. 

"I  have  left  papa  alone,"  said  Helen,  one  Sunday  afternoon 
at  midsummer,  as  she  presented  herself  at  Mr.  Vaughan's  door, 
"  but  he  insisted  upon  it ;  he  is  so  anxious  I  should  hear  the 
continuation  of  this  morning's  discourse.  Come  Mabel !  Alick, 
you  are  going  too,  I  hope ;  your  memories  are  better  than  mine, 
and  papa  will  depend  upon  a  full  report  of  the  sermon." 

Mabel  and  both  the  boys  at  once  rose  to  accompany  her ; 
Mr.  Vaughan  took  his  hat  and  cane,  and,  in  an  absent  way, 
offered  Helen  his  arm — he  was  such  a  gentleman  still  in  spite 
of  cares  and  years ;  but  Sabiah,  contrary  to  custom,  —  for 
she  was  usually  a  regular  attendant  at  church,  —  expressed 
no  wish  to  go,  even  resisted  a  little  persuasion,  and  was  left  at 
home  alone. 

34* 


402  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

She  sat  listening  until  the  last  sound  of  the  church  bell  had 
died  away  into  silence,  then  rose,  went  to  the  door,  and  watched 
until  the  last  straggler  had  entered  the  church,  which  was  just 
within  sight ;  and  finally,  when  all  was  still,  calm,  and  peace- 
ful, put  on  her  black  bonnet,  took  her  old-fashioned  parasol, 
and  prepared  for  a  walk.  First,  however,  she  crept  quietly 
into  the  milk  cellar,  lifted  from  under  a  cover  a  little  cottage 
cheese,  which  her  own  hands  had  made  the  day  before,  and 
covering  it  with  a  snowy  napkin,  carried  it  carefully  in  her 
hand.  To  whom  could  she  be  going  ?  and  for  whom  could 
the  choice  and  delicate  preparation  be  intended  ? 

It  was  one  of  those  rare  summer  days  when  all  nature 
seems  wrapt  in  the  luxury  of  repose.  Ther^  was  scarcely  a 
breath  stirring  in  the  air,  the  wild  flowers  scarcely  bent  on 
their  slender  stalks,  the  grass  could  not  be  seen  to  wave.  The 
birds  in  the  thicket  by  the  river  had  forgotten  to  sing ;  even 
the  hum  of  the  insects  under  foot  seemed  an  almost  uncon- 
scious murmur.  All  around  was  quiet  and  beautiful,  wrapt 
in  the  holy  hush  of  a  summer  Sabbath  ;  why,  then,  was  there 
such  a  restless  beating,  such  an  impatient  flutter,  in  the  heart 
of  the  lonely  woman,  who,  with  an  unequal  step,  was  pursuing 
the  narrow  path  across  the  village  green  ?  Perhaps  she  was 
thinking  of  such  Sabbath  days,  long,  long  ago,  —  of  such 
pleasant  strolls  across  a  village  green,  when  she  was  not 
alone ;  perhaps,  as  she  carefully  handled  the  plate  which  held 
the  little  cheese,  she  was  reminded  of  some  loved  friend  who 
had  been  wont,  in  times  long  past,  to  esteem  this  work  of  her 
hands  a  luxury ;  or  perhaps  she  was  recalling  the  words  with 
which  beloved  lips  Bad  been  heard  to  praise  her  skill.  What- 
ever might  be  the  thought,  it  was  one  so  all-engrossing,  that 
she  heeded  not  the  heat  of  the  burning  sun  beating  down  upon 
her  head,  and  was  unaware  of  the  trembling  of  her  aged 
limbs,  until  at  length  she  stood  hesitating  in  the  shade  of  a 
blooming  locust  tree  in  front  of  the  minister's  dwelling. 

The  open  door  led  directly  into  the  principal  room  of  the 
house,  a  cheerful,  pleasant  Apartment,  at  once  the  study  of  the 


MA1JKL    VAUGIIAN.  403 

father,  the  sitting-room  of  his  child,  and  the  favorite  resort  of 
the  young  and  old  of  his  parish. 

Now,  for  the  first  time,  however,  Sabiah  stood  upon  its 
threshold,  and  looking  in,  beheld  the  form  of  the  feeble  inva- 
lid, wrapped  in  a  calico  dressing-gown,  and  seated  in  an  arm- 
chair, his  head  carefully  propped  up  by  pillows.  His  back 
was  towards  her,  his  eye  fixed  upon  the  window  opposite 
which  he  sat,  and  his  thoughts  soaring  into  those  blue  heavens, 
at  which  he  gazed  through  a  net-work  of  woodbine  and  fra- 
grant roses  now  in  full  bloom.  Beside  him  lay  a  number  of  holy 
books,  and  a  volume  of  sacred  hymns  was  open  on  his  knee. 

Sabiah  knew  not  how  long  she  had  stood  silently  within  the 
room,  when  the  rustling  of  her  dress,  the  reflection  of  her 
shadow,  the  sigh  which  escaped  her,  or,  possibly,  only  the 
instinctive  consciousness  of  human  presence,  caused  the  in- 
valid to  turn  his  head  slowly  round,  and  their  eyes  met.  A 
look  of  sweet  benignity  overspread  the  pale  face  ;  he  held  out 
his  thin,  transparent  hand  ;  she  laid  her  burden  gently  on  the 
table,  and,  coming  forward,  took  the  offered  hand  in  her  own 
withered  palm,  murmuring,  "  Reuben ! " 

"  Sabiah ! "  said  the  aged  man  with  a  glance  of  touching 
tenderness,  "  this  is  kind." 

Not  another  word  was  spoken,  —  but  he  lifted  the  pile  of 
books  from  the  chair  close  beside  him,  and  Sabiah,  compre- 
hending the  action,  sat  down,  with  her  hand  still  locked  in 
his. 

"  I  have  been  thinking  all  day,"  said  he,  at  last  breaking  the 
expressive  silence,  "of  a  Sabbath  like  this,  many  years  ago 
when  we  both  were  young.  Do  you  remember  that  July 
afternoon  when  you  wore  the  bonnet  trimmed  with  blue,  and 
we  sat  together  in  the  choir,  and  the  last  tune  sung  was  'Ar- 
lington.'? We  walked  home,  I  know,  through  the  meadows, 
and  sat  down  under  the  walnut  tree,  and  spoke  but  little,  and 
yet  were  very  happy  ;  we  loved  one  another  then,  Sabiah." 

"  We  did,  Reuben." 

"  It  seemed  good  in  the  sight  of  God  that  our  earthly  paths 
should  lie  widely  apart ;  it  has  seemed  good  to  Him,  also,  that 


404  MABEL    VAUGHAX. 

we  who  rejoiced  in  each  other's  affection  in  the  morning  of 
our  days,  should  clasp  hands  once  more  in  friendship  at  life's 
solemn  close.  How  precious  the  thought,  that  there  shall 
dawn  for  us  both  a  brighter  morning,  when  those  who  have 
truly  loved  one  another  shall  be  once  more  united  where  there 
are  no  more  partings." 

"  Life  is  a  hard  journey,  Reuben,"  said  Sabiah  ;  then  added 
with  a  half-complaining  sigh,  "  I  trust  it  leads  to  rest." 

"  It  is  hard,  my  dear  friend,"  said  the  good  clergyman, 
bestowing  on  her  a  look  of  half-anxious,  half-pitying  interest, 
"  but  the  soul's  true  rest  may  yet  begin  below.  Our  painful 
discipline  is  lost  upon  us,  unless  it  teaches  meek  submission  to 
God's  will ;  but  a  patient  confidence  in  His  love  is  rest,  and 
joy,  and  peace  to  the  burdened  soul." 

"  You  have  found  that  rest,  Reuben  ?  " 

"  I  have,  Sabiah,  but  only  through  the  struggle  of  a  bitter 
and  early  disappointment ;  without  the  trial,  comes  not  vic- 
tory, nor  without  the  cross,  the  crown.  Once  found,  however, 
it  is  an  all-sufficient  balm,  and  let  every  other  consolation 
perish,  that  precious  love  will  atone." 

"  I  will  seek  it,"  said  Sabiah. 

"  Do  so,"  exclaimed  the  old  man,  "  and  I  pray  God,"  he 
added  fervently,  "  that  His  peace  may  descend  upon  you  like 
the  heavenly  dew." 

There  was  another  long  pause,  like  the  first ;  then  Sabiah 
made  a  movement  to  rise. 

"  Must  you  go  ?  "  said  the  sick  man  quietly.  "  It  is  very 
sweet  and  pleasant  to  feel  that  you  are  here  beside  me.  I 
even  forget  to  speak,  my  mind  is  so  busy  with  the  past." 

Sabiah,  even  more  hesitating  and  irresolute  than  usual,  sank 
back  into  her  seat. 

"  Time  has  laid  his  hand  on  both  our  heads,  Sabiah,"  said 
the  old  man,  "  but  the  heart  is  true  to  its  tender  memories.  I 
have  loved  and  lost  a  good  and  faithful  wife  since  our  youthful 
days  ;  but  now,  in  the  evening  of  my  life,  the  thought  of  her 
has  been  strangely  mingled  with  the  memory  of  an  earlier 
love.  A  few  days  more,  and  one  of  us  shall  depart  and  )>•< 
no  more  seen  ;  but  true  affection  is  not  a  thing  of  time,  and  I 


1IABEL    VAUGHAN.  405 

cannot  but  hope  this  renewal  of  sacred  ties  may  be  sanctified 
to  us  both.  God  bless  you,  Sabiah !  You  were  very  kind  to 
come." 

"  I  am  very  glad  I  came,  Retioen,"  said  Sabiah ;  "  I  felt  I 
must  see  you  once  more." 

"  Farewell,  dear  friend,"  said  he,  for  she  had  again  risen  to 
go,  "  we  shall  meet  again  beyond  yonder  blue  vault  of  heaven." 
He  pressed  her  withered  hand  to  his  thin,  sunken  lips,  —  they 
exchanged  one  more  farewell — and  she  passed  slowly  out  of 
the  house. 

Turning  in  his  arm  chair,  he  watched  her  retreating  figure 
as  she  re-crossed  the  green,  then  looked  upward,  and  breathed 
a  silent  prayer.  She  entered  the  door  of  her  home,  wiped  a 
tear  from  each  dim  eye,  and  sat  down  in  her  accustomed  seat. 

The  romance  of  her  life  was  over,  but  not  so  its  mighty 
influence.  Thenceforth  her  heart,  already  softened  towards 
humanity,  was  subdued  towards  God,  and  from  the  solitary 
rock  in  the  desert  there  gushed  forth  a  fountain  of  calm,  relig- 
ious joy. 

All  around  her  felt  it,  but  none  knew  the  source  of  this  well- 
spring  of  heavenly  peace,  for  the  ancient  lovers  passed  away, 
and  no  one  shared  their  secret. 

Not  until  Helen  came  to  bring  back  the  plate  and  napkin, 
was  Sabiah  reminded  of  the  cottage  cheese  which,  without  a 
word  of  explanation,  she  had  left  on  the  pastor's  table. 

"  Papa  enjoyed  your  cheese  so  much,  Aunt  Sabiah,"  said  the 
unconscious  girl ;  "  it  is  the  only  thing  he  has  relished  for  a 
week  past." 

Mabel  lifted  her  large,  brown  eyes  inquiringly  to  her  aunt, 
but  Sabiah  made  no  reply,  and  the  circumstance  was  forgotten, 
save  that  the  thought  passed  through  the  mind  of  Mabel,  "how 
illness  excites  one's  sympathy,  —  even  Aunt  Sabiah,  it  seems, 
has  done  her  part  in  ministering  to  dear  Mr.  Gracie,  whom  she 
always  used  to  avoid  in  his  healthier  days." 

A  few  weeks  more,  and  the  good  pastor  was  laid  in  the 
village  church-yard ;  and,  shortly  after,  a  weeping-willow  was 
planted  above  his  grave;  but  it  was  never  suspected  whose 
trembling  hands  had  placed  it  there. 


CHAPTER    XXXV 

Ay,  years  had  passed, 
Severing  our  paths,  brave  friend,  and  thus  we  meet  at  last . 

MRS.  HEMAXS. 

ONE  bright  morning  in  September,  a  few  months  after  the 
events  related  in  the  last  chapter,  a  modest  equipage  might  be 
seen  stationed  at  Mr.  Vaughan's  door,  awaiting  a  youthful  party 
who  were  about  to  start  on  a  short  pleasure  excursion.  The 
first  shock  of  bereavement  being  past,  the  orphaned  Helen  had 
not  refused  to  admit  Harry's  claim  to  constitute  himself  hence- 
forth her  protector  by  the  holiest  ties ;  and  about  a  week  pre- 
viously she  had  exchanged  the  sympathy  and  hospitality  of 
Mr.  Vaughan's  roof  for  a  permanent  ai?d  honored  place  in  the 
home  and  heart  of  Harry.  The  neat  dwelling-house  which  the 
prosperous  young  farmer  had  recently  built,  and  furnished  witli 
tasteful  simplicity  for  the  reception  of  his  bride,  had  never  yet 
been  seen  by  any  of  his  own  family,  and  it  was,  therefore,  with 
no  ordinary  interest  and  excitement,  that  Mabel,  Alick,  and 
Murray  had  projected  a  visit  to  the  newly  wedded  pair. 

The  weather  being  lovely,  but  the  road  in  some  places  heavy 
and  rough,  a  light,  open  wagon  had  been  procured,  as  the  most 
desirable  vehicle  for  a  thirty  miles  drive,  and  old  Sorrel,  a 
strongly-built  animal  belonging  to  Mr.  Vaughan,  was  expected 
to  perform  the  labor  of  the  journey.  Murray,  a  handsome, 
animated  boy  of  thirteen,  stood  outside  the  door,  cracking  his 
long  whip-lash  and  his  dry  jokes,  while  Alick,  two  years  older, 
and  nearly  grown  to  man's  stature,  was  patiently  stowing  away 
numerous  packages  under  the  seats  and  on  the  floor  of  the 
wagon. 

"  Aunt  Mabel,  are  you  thinking  of  establishing  an  express 
line  ?  "  cried  Murray,  "  you  seem  to  be  testing  the  capacity  of 
this  wagon  to  the  utmost." 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  407 

Mabel  laughed.  "  Those  are  articles  of  Helen's  property, 
left  in  my  care,"  said  she ;  "  handle  that  gently,  Alick,  it  is  her 
mother's  picture.  Oh,  there  is  the  luncheon  basket!  —  we 
must  not  forget  that ! " 

"  No,  nor  old  Sorrel's  dinner,"  cried  Murray,  snatching  up  a 
little  bag  of  oats  which  lay  on  the  ground. 

"  Here  is  the  box  of  papers  and  books,"  exclaimed  Sabiah, 
anxiously,  as  she  stood  looking  on  from,  the  doorway ;  "  you 
are  leaving  no  room  for  that,  and  it  is  the  most  important  of 
all." 

"  That  is  true,"  responded  Mabel ;  "  Helen  would  be  disap- 
pointed enough,  if  her  father's  letters  and  sermons  were  left 
behind.  What  shall  we  do  with  that  box,  Alick  ?  " 

Poor  Alick  glanced  at  it  with  a  blank  expression  of  counte- 
nance ;  but  he  was  not  one  easily  to  be  discouraged,  and  lifting 
it  to  the  back  of  the  wagon,  he  tried  it  one  way,  then  turned 
it  round  and  tried  it  the  other  way,  but  the  vacant  space  would 
not  accommodate  it. 

"  It 's  no  use,  Al ! "  exclaimed  Murray  ;  "  you  '11  have  to 
take  out  the  back  seat ;  it  is  the  only  way." 

Alick  hesitated. 

"Never  mind,"  cried  Murray,  who,  when  Alick's  patient 
expedients  failed,  was  always  good-naturedly  ready  to  accom- 
modate even  at  a  personal  sacrifice  ;  "  out  with  the  old  bench ! 
now,  you  and  Aunt  Mabel  sit  in  front  and  I'll  ride  on  the 
box  —  the  favorite  seat  always  for  sporting  characters."  And, 
suiting  the  action  to  the  word  he  vigorously  exerted  himself  in 
the  proposed  arrangement,  threw  a  buffalo  robe  over  the  rough 
packing-case,  and  sprung  upon  it,  with  his  back  to  the  horse 
and  his  feet  dangling  behind.  "  It 's  pretty  much  like  an  Eng- 
lish dog-cart,  after  all,  is  n't  it,  grandfather  ?  "  continued  he,  as 
the  spare  form  of  old  Mr.  Vaughan  appeared  on  the  door-step, 
"  only  a  thousand  times  more  jolly  !  " 

The  old  gentleman,  whose  face  had  worn  a  most  mournful 
gravity,  at  what  appeared  to  him  the  degrading  dilemma  to 
which  the  party  were  reduced,  could  not  resist  a  faint  smile,  as 
he  seldom  could  when  challenged  to  it  by  this  merry-andrew 


408  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

of  the  family  ;  and,  descending  one  step  more,  he  handed  Mabel 
to  her  seat. 

Aliek  gathered  up  the  reins.  "  Now  give  him  the  road,  Al ! " 
cried  Murray,  flinging  back  his  head  and  speaking  over  his 
shoulder.  "  I  saw  that  the  old  fellow  had  four  quarts  extra 
last  night,  and  this  morning,  too  —  hurrah !  "  and,  as  they  left 
the  village  behind  them,  and  passed  through  the  adjacent  farms, 
he  waved  his  hand  to  the  sturdy  husbandmen,  whom  they  met 
by  the  way-side,  with  a  mingled  joyousness  and  civility,  which 
drew  smiles  from  many  an  honest  face. 

For  some  miles  their  road  led  directly  along  the  bank  of  the 
river,  which  was  glowing  brightly  in  the  morning  sunshine  ; 
then,  branching  to  the  left,  it  stretched  across  the  rolling  prairie 
and  through  the  rich  grain-fields,  now  ripening  for  the  harvest ; 
and  anon,  a  heavy  oak  thicket  refreshed  them  with  its  shade. 
Towards  noon,  they  again  halted  by  the  river  bank,  when  the 
boys  released  the  horse  from  the  wagon,  removed  his  bridle, 
and  placed  before  him  his  provender.  Mabel,  meanwhile,  con- 
verted the  packing-case  to  a  new  use,  by  spreading  a  napkin 
over  it,  and  making  it  answer  the  purpose  of  a  table,  from 
which  she  and  her  nephews  enjoyed  an  excellent  luncheon. 

Then,  after  refreshing  themselves  and  old  Sorrel  with  a 
draught  of  cool  water  from  the  river,  they  proceeded  on  their 
way.  It  still  wanted  some  hours  of  sun-set,  when  they  came 
within  sight  of  Harry's  new  residence,  which  Alick  and 
Murray  recognized  even  more  readily  than  Mabel,  as  occa- 
sional, visits  to  their  uncle,  in  times  past,  had  made  them 
familiar  with  the  situation  and  out-buildings,  while  she  had 
been  there  once  only,  and  that  some  three  years  before. 

We  pass  over  the  cordial  greeting  which  they  received  on 
their  arrival,  the  delight  they  expressed  at  the  evidences 
of  comfort  and  taste  which  met  them  on  every  hand,  and  the 
cheerful  evening  which  they  passed  around  the  fireside,  when, 
as  the  night  proved  chilly,  a  bright  blaze  was  kindled,  and  the 
young  couple  had,  literally,  their  first  house-warming.  It  would 
be  equally  in  vain  to  attempt  to  follow  them  through  the  suc- 
ceeding day,  when  the  boys  accompanied  Harry  for  miles  about 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  409 

his  farm,  took  an  inventory  of  bis  promised  crops,  examined 
his  fat  cattle,  and  drove  a  pair  of  newly-broken  colts,  while 
Mabel,  beside  bestowing  her  time  and  praise  upon  all  these 
objects,  had  a  thousand  and  one  subjects  of  in-door  interest  to 
which  Helen  was  eager  to  call  her  attention. 

"  You  ought  to  stay  with  us  a  week,  a  month,  a  year,  Mabel, 
before  we  should  be  satisfied,"  exclaimed  Harry,  on  the  second 
evening  of  their  visit,  as  he  drew  her  to  a  seat  beside  him. 
"  But,  since  you  must  go  home  to-morrow^  there  is  one  thing 
which  reconciles  me  to  it :  my  friend  Percival  is  to  speak  in 
your  town  hall  to-morrow  night,  on  some  of  the  great  political 
subjects  that  are  being  agitated  at  present,  and  I  ventured  to 
extend  the  family  hospitalities  to  him.  I  felt  sure  you  would 
be  glad  to  give  him  a  welcome." 

"  Glad !  we  shall  be  delighted,"  exclaimed  Mabel ;  "  I  shall, 
and  so  will  father,  I  have  no  doubt.  Boys,  do  you  hear  that  ? 
Mr.  Percival  is  to  give  us  a  political  address  to-morrow  night. 
I  say  '  us/  Harry,"  added  she,  with  an  arch  smile.  "  I  hope 
ladies  are  not  excluded." 

"  No,  indeed  ;  you  must  go  by  all  means,  May.  I  would  not 
have  you  lose  such  an  opportunity  on  any  account.  He  is  the 
most  eloquent  man  I  ever  heard  speak,  and  he  is  bringing  his 
whole  power  into  the  field,  for  his  heart  is  in  the  work  he  has 
undertaken.  If  father  should  not* feel  able  to  attend  the  lec- 
ture, the  civilities  of  the  house  will  devolve  on  you,  Alick. 
Judging  from  your  face,  you  will  not  think  the  occasion  an 
unworthy  one  for  their  exercise." 

Alick's  countenance  was  indeed  full  of  enthusiasm  at  the 
prospect  of  seeing  and  hearing  this  gifted  stranger,  and  Mur- 
ray's scarcely  less  so  ;  for  while  the  elder  lad  aspired  eagerly 
to  an  intercourse  with  a  man  famed  for  high  moral  and  intel- 
lectual attainments,  the  mind  of  the  younger  was  equally  well 
stored  with  facts  illustrative  of  his  taste  for  manly  exercises, 
and  his  skill  in  all  those  physical  exploits  which  captivate  the 
mind  of  an  adventurous  boy. 

"It  was  a  mere  accident  which  prevented  you  from  seeing 
Percival,  Mabel,  when  you  were  here-  three  years  ago/'  said 

35 


410  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

Harry,  "  and  both  seasons  since,  he  would  gladly  have  accom- 
panied me  on  a  visit  to  my  father's,  but  I  could  not  leave  home 
at  the  time  agreed  upon.  Now,  however,  he  is  sure  to  be 
there,  for  he  never  fails  to  .keep  an  appointment ;  and,  lest 
the  duties  of  hostess  should  devolve  after  all  upon  poor  Aunt 
Sabiah,  Helen  and  I  will  speed  the  parting  guests  with  an 
early  breakfast  to-morrow ;  eh,  Helen  ?  " 

Helen  consented  to  this  disinterested  act  of  hospitality  on 
condition  of  a  long  visit  from  Mabel  a  few  weeks  later,  and  a 
partial  promise  to  that  effect  having  been  obtained,  the  hour 
for  departure  was  fixed  upon,  and  shortly  after  sunrise  the 
travellers  were  on  their  homeward  road. 

Old  Sorrel,  however,  did  not,  like  the  rest  of  the  party,  ap- 
preciate the  importance  of  the  occasion,  and  had  no  sympathy 
with  their  desire  to  make  a  quick  passage.  The  creature  did 
not  even  seem,  like  most  animals  of  his  class,  to  comprehend 
the  fact  that  his  face  was  turned  towards  home  ;  for  Sorrel's 
earlier  and  happier  days  had  been  passed  among  a  drove  of 
wild  horses  which  enjoyed  all  the  freedom  of  the  open  prairie ; 
and,  although  now  for  many  years  reduced  to  servitude,  he  had 
imbibed  few  of  the  instincts  of  civilized  life,  and  his  temper 
was  surly  and  pertinacious  in  the  extreme.  He  had  rewarded 
Murray's  care  by  travelling  with  unusual  promptness,  on  the 
upward  trip,  but  no  coaxing  could  induce  him  to  repeat  the 
experiment,  and  at  mid-day  the  travellers  had  not  yet  reached 
their  previous  halting  place,  which  marked  somewhat  less  than 
half  the  journey.  It  was,  therefore,  towards  the  middle  of  the 
afternoon  when  they  at  length  found  themselves  at  a  point 
where  the  road,  leaving  the  river  bank,  took  a  direct  line  across 
a  prairie  some  six  miles  in  extent.  For  the  last  half  hour, 
their  winding  course  had  led  them  through  a  belt  of  rich  wood- 
land, under  whose  refreshing  shade,  they  had  paused  to  rest 
their  horse,  and  Mabel,  meantime,  removing  her  bonnet  for 
the  freer  enjoyment  of  the  breeze,  while  Murray  crept  down 
the  river  bank  and  made  a  collection  of  brilliant  wild  flowers, 
which,  as  they  continued  their  drive,  he  busied  himself,  on 
his  box  behind,  in  wreathing  into  a  tasteful  garland.  •*  Come, 


MABEL    VAUOHAN.  411 

old  Sorrel,"  cried  he,  standing  upright  on  the  now  empty  box, 
and,  as  he  spoke,  placing  the  wreath,  with  an  air  of  playful 
homage,  on  the  uncovered  head  of  Mabel,  "  here 's  a  glorious 
race-course  for  you.  Try  now  and  do  some  credit  to  your 
mistress,  while  I  crown  her  queen  of  the  prairie." 

He  had  scarcely  uttered  these  words,  accompanied  as  they 
were  by  a  quick  snapping  of  the  whip  on  Alick's  part,  when  a 
sudden  jerk  and  wrenching  of  the  vehicle  threw  him  from  his 
elevated  position,  prostrate  to  the  ground,  and  a  scene  ensued 
which  wholly  altered  the  face  of  affairs,  leaving  old  Sorrel 
master  of  the  race-course  indeed,  and  Mabel  an  enthroned,  but 
utterly  helpless  queen. 

The  road,  where  it  left  the  thicket,  diverged  into  two  trav- 
elled routes  across  the  prairie,  which,  though  pursuing  the 
same  general  direction,  were  wholly  distinct  from  one  another, 
and  Alick  had  purposly  avoided  that  which  they  had  chosen  on 
their  previous  trip,  on  account  of  a  wide  gully  that  intersected 
it,  and  which  recent  rains  had  transformed  into  a  slough  of 
deep,  black  mud.  This  same  gully  stretched  across  the  oppo- 
site road,  but  a  bridge  of  logs  had  been  thrown  over  it  for 
the  convenience  of  travellers.  Unfortunately,  however,  the  rain 
which  had  made  the  one  almost  impracticable,  had  rendered 
the  other  positively  dangerous,  by  displacing  one  of  the  logs, 
and  leaving  a  most  insidious  flaw  in  the  rough  and  hastily- 
constructed  bridge.  With  a  stumble  and  a  plunge,  old  Sorrel 
had  escaped  falling  into  this  trap  for  the  unwary,  but  the  im- 
petus given  to  the  animal's  speed  both  by  Alick's  stroke  of  the 
whip,  and  the  disaster  which  immediately  followed,  proved 
fatal  to  the  safety  of  the  vehicle. 

In  a  single  moment  of  time,  before  the  travellers  had  dis- 
covered their  danger,  the  front  wheels  of  the  wagon  were  pre- 
cipitated into  the  hollow  between  the  logs,  the  shafts  were 
instantaneously  broken  into  shivers,  and  the  frightened  horse 
had  succeeded  in  clearing  himself  from  the  traces  and  bounded 
off  to  a  distance. 

oSTo  one  was  injured,  for  Alick  and  Mabel  had  maintained 
their  seats  in  spite  of  the  shock,  and  Murray  was  unharmed  by 


412  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

his  sudden  fall ;  but  their  situation  was  ludicrous  and  provoking 
in  the  extreme.  Before  them  lay  the  wide  expanse  of  prairie, 
on  which  not  a  single  object  was  discernible  save  the  figure  of 
their  raw-boned  steed,  who,  prancing  and  throwing  up  his  heels 
in  the  distance,  seemed  to  be  taunting  them  with  their  misfor- 
tune and  triumphing  in  the  sense  of  freedom.  Behind  them 
was  the  little  thicket  from  which  they  had  just  emerged,  and 
they  well  knew  that  there  was  not  a  human  habitation  within  a 
distance  of  several  miles  in  either  direction.  But  desperate  as 
the  case  might  seem  in  a  practical  point  of  view,  its  comic  effect 
was  irresistible ;  and,  after  exchanging  with  each  other  a  single 
glance  of  dismay,  the  united  trio  broke  into  a  simultaneous  fit 
of  laughter.  Alick  and  Mabel  presently  controlled  their  sense 
of  the  ridiculous  so  far  as  to  utter  a  few  ejaculations  of  inquiry 
and  regret,  but  Murray,  as  he  stood  first  glancing  at  the  pair 
wlio  occupied  in  regal  state  the  seat  of  the  broken  wagon,  and 
then  at  the  enfranchised  horse  who  at  a  safe  distance  was  per- 
forming an  evolution  around  them,  shook  with  a  merriment  so 
hearty  and  contagious,  that  it  was  impossible  to  take  counsel 
in  reference  to  their  difficulties. 

At  this  crisis  a  sound  was  heard  proceeding  from  the  adja- 
cent thicket,  which  had  the  effect  of  composing  the  group  into 
an  attentive  and  listening  attitude;  and  in  the  silence  which 
now  reigned  among  them,  it  was  not  difficult  to  recognize  a 
human  voice  breaking  on  the  air  in  most  harmonious  song, — a 
song  so  deep,  full,  and  clear  that  its  music  seemed  to  make  the 
wild  prairie  ring. 

All  strained  their  ears  to  catch  the  welcome  notes,  and  as 
they  came  nearer  and  nearer,  Mabel's  face  flushed  with  excite- 
ment and  expectancy.  She  had  heard  the  voice,  the  words, 
the  glorious  harmony  but  once  before,  and  yet,  though  years 
had  passed  over  her  since,  and  it  seemed  a  marvel  too  great 
to  be  fully  realized,  she  knew  that  she  could  not  be  mistaken 
in  their  source. 

A  moment  more,  and  a  figure  on  horseback  emerged  from 
the  wood,  and  as  he  caught  sight  of  his  unexpected  audience, 
( eased  singing  and  came  forward,  looking  about  him  as  if 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  413 

striving  to  comprehend  the  scene.  lie  was  a  young  and  pow- 
erfully-built man,  dressed  in  a  simple  hunting-suit;  and  the 
rifle  which  was  slung  over  his  shoulder,  and  the  string  of 
prairie-fowl  suspended  from  his  horse's  neck,  proclaimed  him 
to  have  been  shooting  successfully  in  the  vicinity.  He  was  a 
traveller,  moreover,  as  might  be  conjectured  from  the  saddle- 
bags and  heavy  surveyor's  blanket  strapped  to  his  saddle,  and 
travelling  quite  at  his  leisure,  too,  if  one  might  judge  from  the 
pace  at  which  he  rode.  ISor  was  it  strange  that  the  natural 
burst  of  song  died  upon  his  lips,  and  his  face  indicated  inquiry 
and  surprise  at  the  novel  and  picturesque  scene  which  presented 
itself  before  him.  Two  youths,  one  a  boy,  the  other  a  mere 
stripling,  stood  beside  the  broken  vehicle  (for  Alick  had  by 
this  time  alighted),  and  alone  in  her  elevated  position,  in  the 
midst  of  an  unbroken  prairie,  sat  a  young  and  beautiful  girl, 
unconsciously  crowned  with  the  brilliant  wreath  which  Murray 
had  placed  on  her  head  at  the  moment  of  the  accident,  while, 
at  some  distance,  the  sorrel  steed,  with  a  portion  of  his.  harness 
sweeping  the  ground,  was  triumphantly  curvetting  in  forgetful- 
ness  of  his  years.  The  ludicrous  nature  of  the  occasion  would 
have  provoked  the  most  stoical  nature  to  a  smile,  and  such  was 
the  effect  of  a  first  glance  at  the  little  group,  upon  the  face  of 
the  new-comer.  As  he  drew  nearer,  however,  and  surveyed 
the  party  more  attentively,  other  and  less  easily  defined  emo- 
tions were  depicted  on  the  young  man's  countenance,  and 
Mabel's  face  was  suffused  with  the  deep  and  conscious  blush 
of  the  mutual  recognition.  For  they  were,  and  yet  they  were 
not,  strangers.  They  had  met  before,  and  then,  as  now,  he 
had  come  to  her  rescue,  though  in  a  far  different  cause.  It 
was  six  years  and  more  since,  in  Mr.  Bloodgood's  dwelling,  on 
the  night  of  Harry's  disgrace,  she  had  first  beheld  that  manly 
form  and  those  noble  features  ;  and  now,  after  this  lapse  of  time 
and  under  the  most  opposite  circumstances,  they  had  met  again 
in  the  solitude  of  a  Western  prairie. 

The  embarrassment  which  ensued,  however,  was  but  mo- 
mentary, for  Bayard  was  a  man  of  action  ;  and  before  a  second 
glance  could  be  exchanged  between  them,  he  had  read  with  his 
35* 


414  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

quick  eye  the  exact  condition  of  affairs,  and,  without  drawing 
near  enough  to  ask  or  obtain  a  syllable  of  explanation,  lie  had 
darted  off  in  pursuit  of  the  runaway  steed.  The  task  which 
he  had  thus  promptly  undertaken  was  no  easy  one ;  to .  an  un- 
practised rider  it  would  have  been  next  to  impossible,  for  time 
and  habit  have  no  power  to  efface  from  the  once  wild  horse  of 
the  prairie  the  recollection  of  his  ancient  freedom,  and  the 
sudden  recovery  of  it  seemed  at  once  to  have  restored  old  Sorrel 
to  his  juvenile  strength  and  fleetness. 

But  Sorrel,  even  in  his  best  days,  had  never  been  a  match  for 
the  superior  animal  on  which  Bayard  was  mounted;  and  this 
fact,  combined  with  a  degree  of  dexterity  which  the  young  man 
had  acquired  from  experience,  gave  him  an  advantage  over  the 
runaway  which  resulted  in  his  speedy  capture.  Mabel  and 
the  boys  looked  on  with  intense  and  eager  interest,  while  now 
describing  a  rapid  circle,  and  now  darting  in  an  unforeseen 
direction,  the  accomplished  horseman,  partly  by  speed  and 
partly  by  skilful  manoeuvre,  gained  the  advantage  of  the  de- 
serter, and,  after  a  few  moments'  hot  pursuit,  grasped  him  by 
the  bridle  and  came  bounding  over  the  prairie  with  his  unwil- 
ling captive.  Mabel,  who  had  stood  upright  in  the  wagon 
during  the  excitement  of  the  chase,  now  gave  her  hand  to 
Alick  and  sprang  to  the  ground,  just  in  time  to  greet  with  a 
smile  of  acknowledgment  and  thanks  the  victor  in  the  animated 
chase,  who  rode  up,  laughing  himself  at  the  nature  and  success 
of  his  exploit ;  and  springing  lightly  from  the  saddle,  put  the 
bridle  of  old  Sorrel  into  the  hand  of  the  admiring  Murray,  and, 
with  one  arm  passed  through  that  of  his  own  horse,  lifted  his 
hat  and  bowed  respectfully  and  gracefully  to  Mabel,  saying  — 
"You  have  met  with  a  serious  accident  and  delay,  Miss 
Vaughan,  but  I  hope  you  have  none  of  you  suffered  any  per- 
sonal injury." 

"None  at  all,  thank  you,"  replied  Mabel;  while  the  boys 
looked  their  astonishment  at  hearing  her  name  so  confidently 
spoken  by  the  stranger.  "  You  have  paid  the  heaviest  penalty 
for  our  mishap,  in  the  exertion  you  have  so  kindly  made.  We 
wore  truly  fortunate  in  having  a  friend  at  hand." 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  415 

She  spoke  the  simple  word  friend  with  an  accent  which 
expressed  how  deeply  and  gratefully  she  felt  its  force ;  perhaps 
he  understood  that  it  had  reference  to  the  past  as  well  as  the 
present,  for  he  replied  in  a  tone  equally  impressive  in  its  sin- 
cerity, "Nothing  can  make  me  happier  than  to  be  of  service  to 
you;"  and  then,  as  Murray  eagerly  commenced  relating  the 
circumstances  of  the  accident,  he  proceeded  to  an  examination 
of  the  disabled  vehicle,  which,  with  the  boys'  assistance,  he 
easily  raised  from  the  hollow  into  which  it  had  sunk. 

Its  shattered  condition,  however,  proved  to  be  such  as  to 
wholly  unfit  it  for  use,  and  the  possibility  of  removing  it  across 
the  prairie  was  even  doubtful.  Some  of  the  principal  bolts  had 
given  way,  and  the  springs  were  also  broken ;  but  Alick  volun- 
teered to  supply  the  place  of  the  former  by  strong  wooden  pegs, 
while  Bayard,  placing  his  saddle-bags  and  blanket  on  the  floor 
of  the  wagon,  employed  the  straps  by  which  they  had  been 
fastened  in  binding  up  the  splintered  shafts ;  after  which,  old 
Sorrel  was  once  more  harnessed  to  the  wreck,  and  it  was  found 
that  by  carefully  leading  the  horse  over  the  level  road,  the 
decrepit  equipage  could  be  safely  transported. 

"  The  frail  nature  of  our  repairs,  Miss  Vaughan,  and  the 
broken  springs,  render  it  impossible  to  occupy  the  wagon,"  said 
Bayard,  approaching  Mabel,  who  stood  a  little  apart,  "  but  if 
you  will  do  me  the  honor  to  make  use  of  my  horse,  we  can 
render  the  saddle  comfortable  for  you  with  the  help  of  this 
blanket;"  and,  as  he  spoke,  he  unfolded  the  rich  and  ample 
mantle  of  deep  blue  cloth  and  commenced  laying  it  in  heavy 
masses  over  the  back  of  the  animal,  which  stood  arching  its 
glossy  neck,  as  if  it,  as  well  as  its  master,  were  proud  of  the 
proposed  honor.  • 

Mabel  earnestly  deprecated  the  arrangement ;  begged  that 
he  would  not  suffer  them  to  interfere  further  with  his  journey, 
and  insisted  that  she  could  walk,  in  company  witli  her  nephews; 
but  Bayard,  having  assured  himself  that  her  refusal  did  not 
proceed  from  any  fear  of  his  high-spirited  horse,  answered  all 
her  objections  with  the  simple  assurance  that  fye  was  not  in 
haste  ;  that  a  walk  of  ten  miles,  which  was  the  distance  to  the 


416  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

village,  their  common  destination,  was  a  trifle  to  one  of  his 
pedestrian  habits  ;  and  the  boys  having  united  their  persuasions 
to  his,  she  blushingly  and  gratefully  suffered  herself  to 'be 
assisted  to  the  saddle. 

"  Have  you  seen  my  bonnet,  Alick  ? "  said  she,  as  they  were 
about  to  start.  He  handed  it  to  her  from  the  wagon,  and  as 
she  prepared  to  put  it  on  she  became,  for  the  first  time,  con- 
scious that  the  garland,  which  she  had  noticed  when  Murray 
commenced  weaving  it  in  the  wood,  rested  on  her  brow. 

"  Murray,  you  rogue ! "  exclaimed  she  accusingly,  as  she 
snatched  it  from  her  head,  and  flung  it  with  such  precision  that 
it  rested  on  the  crown  of  his  hat. 

All  burst  into  an  involuntary  laugh,  in  which  Mabel  could 
not  resist  joining,  though  glad  to  hide  beneath  her  bonnet  the 
face  which  became  crimson  as  she  reflected  on  the  singular  and 
ludicrous  inconsistency  which  Bayard  must  have  detected  be- 
tween her  crowned  head  and  the  awkward  dilemma  in  which 
he  had  discovered  their  party.  She  little  knew  that  she  had 
never,  in  all  her  life,  looked  so  radiantly  lovely  as  when  he  first 
caught  sight  of  her,  with  the  drooping  scarlet  blossoms  con- 
trasting with  the  pure  whiteness  of  her  noble  brow,  and  ming- 
ling with  the  smooth  folds  of  chestnut  hair,  to  which  the  suu 
imparted  that  golden  tinge  at  once  so  rare  and  so  beautiful. 

There  is  nothing  which  more  effectually  relieves  embarass- 
ment  than  the  presence  of  children;  and  whatever  constraint 
might  have  been  occasioned  by  the  peculiar  reminiscences  sub- 
sisting between  Bayard  and  Mabel  was  at  once  subdued  by  the 
mediatory  influence  of  the  two  lads,  who,  excited  by  their  recent 
adventure,  were  unusually  loquacious  and  animated.  Even 
Alick,  though  looking  up  with  enthusiastic  admiration  at  the 
stranger,  whose  attention  to  Mabel  was  alone  sufficient  to  insure 
his  grateful  regard,  shook  off,  to  a  great  degree,  the  modest 
reserve  which  characterized  him,  and  won,  in  his  turn,  the 
friendly  interest  of  the  young  man,  who  never  undervalued  the 
ingenuous  and  original,  though  immature,  intellect  of  boyhood. 

Thus,  witlj  Bayard  and  Alick  walking  on  either  side  of  tht^ 
hor&e  which  Mabel  rode,  and  Murray  a  little  in  the  n-itr,  |>LT- 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  417 

forming  the  self-appointed  office  of  leading  old  Sorrel,  and 
interlarding  the  others'  conversation  with  his  drollery,  they  pro- 
ceeded at  the  moderate,  though  regular  pace  suited  to  good 
pedestrians,  with  a  ten  miles'  journey  in  prospect. 

"At  what  hour  is  this  caravan  expected  to  arrive  at  its 
destination,"  cried  Murray,  when  they  had  gone  about  a  mile. 

Mabel  locked  at  her  watch.  "  It  is  now  five  o'clock,"  said 
she,  then  added  in  a  tone  of  regret,  "  I  had  no  idea  it  was  so 
late." 

"  I  thought  of  Uncle  Harry,"  said  Alick,  "  at  the  moment 
of  the  crash.  I  believe,  when  he  hears  of  this  delay  and  dis- 
appointment, he  will  complain  of  the  broken  bridge  more  bit- 
terly than  any  of  us." 

"More  haste,  worse  speed,"  said  Murray.  "It  was  that 
last  cut  of  the  whip,  Al,  which  settled  the  business  so  thor- 
oughly for  us." 

"  The  boys  were  urging  our  old  horse  to  tlfe  top  of  his  speed 
at  the  moment  of  the  accident,"  said  Mabel  to  Bayard,  by  way 
of  explaining  this  little  dialogue.  "  We  already  felt  ourselves 
somewhat  belated,  being  anxious  to  reach  home  in  good  season, 
on  account  of  a  lecture  that  is  to  be  delivered  in  our  village 
this  evening,  which  we  are  all  anxious  to  attend." 

"  1  think  you  will  yet  have  an  opportunity  of  doing  so," 
said  Bayard,  glancing  at  his  own  watch ;  "  it  is  now  five.  A 
lecture  at  this  season  would  not  commence  before  eight,  or 
half  past  seven  at  the  earliest.  "We  ought,  certainly,  to  be 
able  to  accomplish  the  remaining  distance  in  two  hours  and  a 
half." 

"  But  Auntie  is  expected  to  play  the  part  of  hostess  to  the 
orator,"  said  Murray.  "  If  we  meet  with  any  further  delay,  I 
fear  she  will  strike  spurs  to  your  horse  and  leave  us." 

Mabel  smiled.  "  Your  grandfather  will  be  prompt  in  claim- 
ing the  privilege  of  having  Mr.  Percival  for  his  guest,  Mur- 
ray," said  she.  "  I  fear  I  can  plead  only  selfish  motives  for 
being  in  haste.  This  gentleman  is  a  stranger  to  us,"  added 
she,  turning  to  Bayard,  "  but  one  for  whom  we  have  reason 


418  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

to  feel  the*  most  grateful  esteem,  and  we  anticipate  the  highest 
pleasure  from  his  oratory." 

"  We  shall  do  but  little  credit  to  our  physical  training  if  we 
are  so  late  as  to  deprive  you  of  the  opportunity  of  hearing 
him,"  said  Bayard.  "  I  have  less  fear  of  that  than  of  your 
being  disappointed  in  the  orator,  whose  abilities  you,  perhaps, 
estimate  too  highly." 

"  I  think  not,"  said  Mabel  confidently.  "  If  we  are  in  sea- 
son, and  we  have  not  caused  you  too  much  fatigue,  I  hope  you 
will  share  our  enjoyment  by  being  present  at  the  address." 

Bayard  bowed,  and  a  moment  after  gave  a  new  turn  to  the 
conversation. 

It  was  nearly  sunset  when  the  party  reached  the  extremity 
of  the  prairie ;  the  road  then  followed  the  river  bank,  and  as 
day  was  merging  into  night,  and  their  path  was,  at  intervals, 
overshadowed  by  foliage,  the  figures  of  the  little  group  were 
gradually  obscured  in  the  twilight  gloom,  and  their  brisk  and 
lively  discourse,  now  and  then  relapsed  into  thoughtful  silence. 
The  church  bell  was  ringing  out  clear  and  loud,  when,  at 
length,  shortly  after  dark,  they  entered  the  outskirts  of  the 
now  populous  and  thriving  village. 

"  That  bell  must  be  for  the  lecture,"  said  Alick ;  "  it  is  a 
new  acquisition  to  the  church,"  continued  he,  addressing  Bay- 
ard, "  and  the  sexton  loves  to  make  it  heard  on  all  occasions," 
and  the  little  party  simultaneously  quickened  their  pace. 

"  Here  we  are  at  last,"  cried  Murray,  as  they  came  in  sight 
of  the  familiar  homestead.  "  Aunt  Sabiah  has  put  a  light  in 
the  window,  and  is,  no  doubt,  watching  anxiously  for  our  ar- 
rival." 

Murray  was  right ;  —  Aunt  Sabiah  was  not  only  watching, 
but  listening,  and  his  merry  voice  and  laugh  brought  her 
directly  to  the  door. 

"Will  you  not  come  in,  Sir,  and  take  some  refreshment 
with  us  ?  "  said  Mabel  to  Bayard,  as  he  assisted  her  from  his 
horse. 

He  thanked  her,  but  politely  declined,  —  he  had  an  appoint- 
ment, and  was  expected  elsewhere. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  419 

"I  am  greatly  indebted  to  you,"  said  Mabel,  with  feeling,  at 
the  same  time  frankly  offering  him  her  hand.  "  I  do  not  know- 
how  to  express  my  sense  of  your  repeated  kindness." 

"  Do  not  speak  of  it,"  said  he,  receiving  her  hand  with  the 
same  unaffected  cordiality  with  which  it  was  offered  ;  "  it  is  I 
who  am  under  a  lasting  obligation.  You  have  made  my  jour- 
ney across  the  prairie  a  delightful  and  a  memorable  one." 

Alick,  meanwhile,  was  industriously  restoring  the  saddle- 
bags and  blanket  to  their  original  places.  "Keep  those,  if 
you  please,"  said  Bayard,  as  the  youth  was  also  about  to  sus- 
pend the  fruits  of  his  shooting  excursion  around  the  horse's 
neck;  "  if  the  poor  fowls  can  be  made  serviceable  for  your 
grandfather's  table,  my  conscience  will  acquit  me  of  mere 
wanton  destructiveness ; "  and,  having  shaken  hands  with  Alick 
and  Murray,  and  glanced  up  at  the  house,  where  Mabel  now 
stood  in  the  doorway,  gaily  relating  their  adventures  to  her 
aunt,  he  mounted  his  horse  and  rode  off  at  full  speed. 

"  Father  has  gone  to  the  lecture  already,"  said  Mabel  to  the 
boys,  when,  having  delivered  their  dilapidated  equipage  into 
the  charge  of  James,  they  came  bounding  into  the  house ;  "  but 
see,  Aunt  Sabiah  has  a  tempting  supper  prepared  for  us." 

"  Let  us  make  haste  and  devour  it,  then,"  cried  Murray, 
throwing  down  his  cap.  "  I  am  as  hungry  as  a  bear." 

"  Are  n't  you  tired,  Auntie  ?  "  inquired  Alick." 

"  Not  at  all,"  was  the  answer.  "  I  have  had  a  charming 
ride." 

"  You  11  all  feel  the  better  for  your  supper,  I  should  think," 
said  Aunt  Sabiah,  as  she  poured  out  tea  for  them.  "  I  never 
did  see  anything  like  you,  though,  —  you,  every  one  of  you, 
look  as  fresh  as  roses.  I  believe  you  could  travel  from  Dan 
to  Beersheba  and  never  feel  tired." 

"  It  would  depend  considerably  upon  the  kind  of  company 
we  had  on  the  way,  —  would  n't  it,  Aunt  Mabel  ?  "  said  Mur- 
ray, somewhat  mischievously. 

Mabel  colored  slightly,  but  with  an  unhesitating  and  intelli- 
gent smile  assented  to  Murray's  remark, 

"  Auntie."  said  Alick,  "  that  gentleman  knew  you ;  he  called 


420  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

you  by  name  once  or  twice.  How  do  you  suppose  that  hap- 
pened ?  Did  you  ever  see  him  before  ?  " 

"  Yes,  I  met  him  in  company  once,  Alick,  some  years  ago, 
when  I  was  staying  at  Aunt  Ridgway's,  in  L." 

"  Well,  now,  if  that  is  n't  a  coincidence  ! "  exclaimed  Sabiah. 
"  But/'  added  she,  with  a  sigh  scarcely  warranted  by  the  occa- 
sion, "  this  is  a  strange  world  we  live  in ;  people  are  brought 
together  one  way  and  another,  who  never  expected  to  meet 
again  this  side  of  the  grave." 


CHAPTER     XXXVI. 

"  Men  of  thought !  be  up  and  stirring 

Night  and  day ; 
Sow  the  seed,  withdraw  the  curtain, 

Clear  the  way ! 
Men  of  action,  aid  and  cheer  them, 

As  ye  may ! 
There'  's  a  midnight  blackness  changing 

Into  grey; 
Men  of  thought  and  action, 

Clear  the  way ! " 

THE  village  in  which  Mr.  Vaughan's  homestead  was  located 
was  fortunate  in  having  been  started  (to  use  a  familiar  expres- 
sion) by  a  number  of  intelligent  and  enterprising  men,  who 
had,  through  their  praiseworthy  exertions,  given  the  place  an 
established  character  and  a  prominence  among  the  thriving 
towns  of  the  country.  Beside  churches  of  three  different 
denominations,  it  now  boasted  a  neat  school-house,  an  extensive 
flour-mill,  and  a  handsome  block  of  stores,  the  upper  story  of 
which  constituted  a  convenient  and  capacious  town-hall,  which 
was  first  made  use  of  for  the  purpose  of  public  speaking  on  the 
night  of  PercivaPs  address.  This  latter  circumstance,  together 
with  the  wide-spread  popularity  of  the  young  orator,  caused 
the  occasion  to  be  one  of  universal  interest,  and  at  an  early 
hour  the  spacious  room  was  thronged  by  an  eager  and  attentive 
audience.  A  stout  and  honest  trader,  a  supervisor  of  the 
of  the  town,  occupied  a  seat  on  the  platform  at  the  left  of 
that  intended  for  the  speaker ;  and  in  a  similar  place  of  honor 
on  the  right  sat  Mr.  Vaughan,  who,  as  the  oldest  citizen,  the 
largest  land-owner,  and,  above  all,  the  perfect  type  of  a  grave, 
respectable  gentleman,  invariably  received  from  his  fellow- 
townsmen  similar  voluntary  marks  of  distinction  and  deference. 
3G 


422  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

The  hour  appointed  for  the  address  was  just  at  hand.  No 
orator  had  yet  made  his  appearance,  and  a  murmur  of  disap- 
pointment and  inquiry  was  beginning  to  circulate  through  the 
crowd,  when  the  tall  and  commanding  form  of  Percival  issued 
from  its  midst.  With  a  perfectly  calm,  unruffled  air  he 
ascended  the  platform,  shook  hands  with  Mr.  Vaughan  and 
the  supervisor,  and  looking  round  upon  his  audience  with  a 
smile  of  approbation,  sat  down  and  exchanged  a  few  words 
with  the  gentlemen  on  either  side  of  him.  Then,  observing 
that  the  hand  of  the  clock  pointed  exactly  the  time  agreed 
upon,  he  signified  by  a  gesture  his  readiness  to  commence,  and 
the  sturdy  trader,  in  fulfilment  of  his  functions,  rose  and  intro- 
duced him  to  the  audience,  who  having  in  the  meantime  scanned 
his  countenance  and  proportions,  and,  as  American  citizens 
are  wont  to  do,  established  their  individual  opinions  of  his 
merits,  greeted  him  with  a  unanimous  and  unqualified  round 
of  applause. 

It  was  at  this  moment  that  Mabel  and  her  nephews,  some- 
what heated  and  out  of  breath  from  their  hasty  meal  and  rapid 
walk,  entered  the  gallery,  which,  although  the  entire  assembly 
was  freely  interspersed  with  females,  had  been  especially 
reserved  for  ladies. 

"  There 's  Miss  Vaughan  and  her  boys,"  said  a  cousin  of 
Melissa,  wife  to  the  innkeeper,  addressing  herself  to  two  young 
girls  whom  Mabel  was  in  the  habit  of  instructing  in  the  Sabbath 
School.  "Move  up,  Elizy.  Can't  you  make  a  little  room, 
Euphemy  ?  I  want  to  offer  her  this  seat  here  in  front.  La, 
now!  don't  she  look  splendid?  If  the  speaker  could  only 
catch  sight  of  her,  would  n't  he  be  inspired  ? "  And  standing  up 
and  gesticulating  violently  to  Alick,  she  contrived  to  let  him 
understand  that  his  aunt  could  be  accommodated  beside  her,  to 
which  place  Mabel  was  with  some  difficulty  piloted ;  and  after 
thanking  the  obliging  landlady  and  expressing  a  hope  that  she 
should  not  incommode  any  one,  she  seated  herself,  and  as  the 
din  of  applause  subsided,  her  eye  for  the  first  time  sought  the 
platform. 

TTad  the  young  man  indeed  depended  on  Mabel  for  his  inspi- 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  423 

ration,  he  could  scarcely  have  bestowed  on  her  a  more  earnest 
look  than  that  which  met  her  gaze,  as  at  this  moment  he  lifted 
his  face  and  fixed  his  full  blue  eye  upon  her.  As  she  encoun- 
tered that  expressive  glance,  her  face,  neck,  and  brow  were 
suffused  with  crimson ;  and  when  next  it  was  turned  upon  his 
audience,  she  listened  with  straining  ear  and  breath  suspended, 
as  if  the  fate  of  nations  hung  upon  his  first  word. 

"Aunt  Mabel,"  exclaimed  Murray,  in  an  eager,  excited 
whisper,  at  the  same  time  leaning  forward  from  a  seat  behind 
her  and  striving  to  attract  her  attention,  "  It  is,  yes,  it  is  our 
hunter — our  prairie  friend — our  fellow-traveller!" 

"  Hush ! "  cried  Alick,  in  an  earnest,  dissuasive  tone ;  his 
quicker  sensibilities  revealing  to  him  at  a  glance  the  emotions 
which  were  (Dieted  in  Mabel's  countenance ;  "  There  is  no" 
need  to  tell  her  that ;  she  sees,  she  knows." 

There  was  indeed  no  mistaking  the  identity  of  the  two  indi- 
viduals, for  except  that  the  wide-awake  hat  was  laid  aside  and 
the  hunting-suit  exchanged  for  one  of  plain  black  cloth,  the 
Percival  who  stood  before  them  now,  was  the  Bayard  who  had 
bade  them  farewell  less  than  half,  an  hour  ago. 

The  silence  that  succeeded  the  first  burst  of  enthusiastic 
welcome  which  had  greeted  the  speaker  was  so  intense  and 
profound,  that  even  the  warning  words  of  Alick  sank  to  the 
faintest  whisper,  lest  they  might  disturb  the  motionless  expec- 
tancy which  prevailed  through  the  assembly,  as  Percival,  in  a 
clear  and  melodious  voice,  opened  his  address  by  a  simple 
statement  of  the  causes  and  motives  for  his  presenting  himself 
before  them. 

His  calm  but  earnest  manner,  his  language,  at  once  plain, 
forcible,  and  marked  by  perfect  truth,  and,  perhaps,  more  than 
all,  his  commanding  presence,  and  an  eye  which  seemed  to  ad- 
dress its  appeal  to  each  individual  heart,  had  the  effect  of  at 
once  concentrating  and  riveting  the  attention  of  an  audience 
composed,  for  the  most  part,  of  plain  and  unpretending,  but 
intelligent  and  self-respecting  men.  Accustomed  to  the  noisy 
rant  and  bombastic  parade  of  professed  caucus  oratory,  and 
manfully  steeled  against  the  wily  sophistry  and  noisy  partizan- 


42-1-  MABEL   VAUGHAN. 

ship  of  the  greedy  aspirants  after  popular  favor,  they  were  all 
the  more  ready  to  give  a  willing  and  impartial  hearing  to  one 
who,  unshackled  by  the  excitement  of  political  ambition,  made 
no  appeal  to  their  prejudices  or  their  passions,  but  addressed 
himself,  and  recommended  his  cause,  to  that  sound  reason  and 
enlightened  conscience  on  which  they  prided  themselves  as  free 
men  and  worthy  citizens.  Thus,  as  he  stated  his  argument  in 
plain,  unvarnished  terms,  many  a  corroborating  and  assenting 
nod,  on  the  part  of  the  audience,  proclaimed  their  conviction  of 
its  truth.  As  he  announced  the  conclusion  to  which  he  himself 
had  been  led,  a  murmur  of  approbation  seemed  to  intimate  that 
each  mind  acknowledged  him  as  its  fit  interpreter ;  and  when, 
finally,  with  that  pathos  and  eloquence  which  have  their  source 
in  the  deep  emotions  of  a  true  and  noble  natiifl^  he  sought  to 
rouse  them,  and  bid  them  listen  to  the  solemn  call  of  duty,  the 
heart  of  the  multitude  throbbed  responsively,  like  the  heart  of 
one  man. 

No  studied  oratory,  no  hollow  declamation,  could  thus  have 
fired  with  generous  warmth  that  rude,  but  candid  and  earnest 
assemblage.  The  secret  of  the  speaker's  power  lay  in  his  sin- 
cerity ;  —  in  the  fact  that  the  cause  which  he  came  to  proclaim 
had  stirred  and  roused  his  own  spirit  like  a  trumpet-call.  He 
had  hitherto  voted  at  the  polls,  and  expressed  his  political  views, 
as  a  simple,  conscientious  discharge  of  manly  duty ;  but,  busy  at 
home,  and  seeking  nothing  from  abroad,  he  had  wisely  forborne 
to  put  himself  forward  as  a  gladiator  in  party  strife.  The  case, 
however,  was  changed  now.  A  great  issue  had  arisen  and  a 
great  crisis  was  at  hand  —  an  issue  between  injustice  and  op- 
pression on  one  side,  and  the  law  of  right  and  humanity  on  the 
other.  The  crisis  involved  a  country's  prosperity  and  a  nation's 
honor.  Therefore  a  true  man  (and  such  was  Bayard  Percival) 
could  not  remain  a  silent  and  inactive  spectator,  in  a  scene 
where  he  was  nobly  fitted  to  bear  a  part.  He  knew  his  power 
and  felt  his  responsibility.  His  power  was  that  of  an  honest 
man  ;  his  responsibility,  that  of  a  Christian.  Had  it  been  oth- 
cnvise,  he  might  have  spoken  to  closed  ears  and  failed  to 
convince  a  single  heart.  But  a  character  as  free  from  wild 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  425 

fanaticism  on  the  one  hand,  as  from  cold  conservatism  on  the 
other,  had  given  him  the  people's  confidence  ;  while  the  purity 
of  his  motives  and  aims  inspired  him  with  a  wisdom  and  a 
power  which  caused  his  words  to  be  received  as  little  less  than 
oracles. 

"  Had  one  come  among  you,"  exclaimed  he,  "  who,  possessed 
of  the  spirit  of  misrule,  prompted  by  one-sided  and  misdi- 
rected zeal,  or  excited  by  a  blind  enthusiasm,  should  bid  you 
set  at  defiance  every  claim  but  that  which  he  came  to  advo- 
cate, and  rush  into  indiscriminate  warfare  with  the  enemy 
against  whom  all  his  passions  were  inflamed,  I  would  simply 
charge  you  to  beware,  lest,  while  seeking  by  desperate  and 
unsanctified  means  to  promote  the  welfare  of  one  brotherhood 
of  men,  you  trampled  under  foot  the  rights,  the  property,  and 
the  lives  of  another,  which  should  be  to  you  equally  dear  and 
sacred. 

"  But,  on  the  other  hand,  I  would  with  equal  fervor  bid  you 
beware  of  that  sluggishness  of  the  soul,  that  fatal  indifference 
to  truth  and  humanity,  to  which  our  very  prosperity  renders  us 
prone,  and  would  charge  you  as  freemen,  as  citizens,  and  as 
Christians,  to  maintain  inviolate  the  principles  which  you  pro- 
fess, and  stand  ever  as  sentinels  on  the  watch-tower  reared  for 
the  protection  of  civil  liberty  and  the  promotion  of  individual 
freedom.  We  may  not  at  once  extirpate  the  poison  which  has 
distilled  itself  into  some  portion  of  our  body  politic ;  but  we 
can  at  least  guard  the  members  which  are  free  from  its  subtle 
influence,  and  preserve  pure  and  unsullied  those  fresh  fountains 
of  strength  which  are  at  length  destined  to  infuse  new  health 
and  vigor  throughout  the  length  and  breadth  of  the  Republic." 

Then,  changing  his  tone  from  that  of  earnest  appeal  to  one 
of  simple,  descriptive  power,  he  directed  the  thoughts  and 
attention  of  his  audience  to  that  beautiful  sister  soil,  then  be- 
ginning to  be  the  subject  of  national  legislation,  and  painted, 
with  all  the  warmth  of  the  enthusiastic  traveller,  and  all  the 
simplicity  and  force  of  the  practical  husbandman,  the  beauty. 
the  wealth,  and  the  resources  of  that  favored  land.  His  coun- 
tenance and  words  bore  the  impress  of  perfect  truth,  as,  in 

36* 


426  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 


an  unvarnished  narrative  of  facts,  lie  described  the  richness  of 
her  virgin  soil,  and  the  nature  and  extent  of  the  productions  it 
was  capable  of  yielding.  His  eye  glowed  with  the  animation 
of  the  sportsman,  and  the  inspiration  of  the  poetic  soul,  as  he 
dwelt  on  the  grandeur  of  those  primeval  forests  in  which  he 
had  hunted,  and  roamed,  and  meditated,  his  broad  chest  seemed 
to  expand  and  his  form  to  rear  itself  to  increased  height,  as  lie 
expatiated  on  the  generations  of  noble  men  and  women  which 
such  a  land  was  capable  of  inspiring  to  high  thoughts  and  gen- 
erous deeds.  And  when,  finally,  having  stirred  the  hearts  of 
the  assembly  by  his  faithful  representation  of  what  this  fair 
domain  might,  at  no  distant  period,  become,  he  commended  her 
to  their  brotherly  love,  all  were  not  only  ready,  but  eager  to 
extend  the  right  hand  of  fellowship  to  their  young  and  prom- 
ising neighbor. 

But  there  was  another  and  darker  side  to  the  picture,  and  this 
he  now  hastened  to  set  before  them,  in  all  its  sad  deformity 
and  gloom.  He  employed  no  fanatical  abuse  or  tirade  for  the 
furtherance,  of  his  purpose,  but  with  calm,  prophetic  warning, 
pointed  to  the  blight  already  hovering  in  the  air,  the  cloud  already 
darkening  in  the  distance  and  threatening  to  overshadow  and 
destroy  the  fair  harvest  of  men's  hopes.  "  To  what,"  asked  he, 
"are  you  indebted  for  your  own  unexampled  prosperity ?  is  it 
not  to  the  equality  of  human  rights,  the  dignity  which  attends 
free  and  honest  labor,  the  universal  education  of  your  chil- 
dren and  the  spread  of  Gospel  truth?  And  shall  any  or  all 
of  these  be  denied  to  our  sister  territory  ?  I  charge  you,  as  those 
who  have  a  voice  in  this  great  decision,  to  answer  the  solunn 
question  —  shall  that  fatal  institution  be  suffered  to  settle  down 
upon  the  land,  which  dooms  one  race  to  slavery  and  dishonor 
and  another  to  stagnation  and  decay?  Shall  that  rich  soil  be- 
come the  ground  of  the  task-master, —  those  noble  woods  the 
retreat  of  the  fugit  ive  ?  Shall  progress  be  checked,  and  i  he  voice 
of  truth  be  silenced,  and  man's  better  nature  crushed  ?  Forbid 
it,  Heaven!  Forbid  it,  ye  who  by  word,  by  look,  by  honest 
vote,  \\r.\y  command  one  breath  of  influence  and  bear  a  freeman's 
part  in  averting  so  fearful  a  catastrophe  ;  L<-i  it  M,,;  b.  -aid 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  427 

that  the  poison  has  penetrated  to  the  seat  of  life,  and  that  here, 
in  the  heart  of  our  free  and  enlightened  State,  there  are  traitors 
to  the  cause  of  truth.  Let  us  at  least,  a  united  and  determined 
band,  present  our  cloned  ranks  against  the  inroads  of  perfidious 
counsels,  and  let  the  district  which  we  serve  be  foremost  in 
proclaiming  that  —  Nebraska  shall  be  free." 

At  this  period  in  Percival's  address,  the  audience,  who  had 
more  than  once  expressed  their  enthusiasm  by  unqualified 
applause,  rose  simultaneously  from  their  seats,  and  amid  the 
waving  of  hands,  hats  and  handkerchiefs,  caught  up  and  echoed 
by  common  consent  his  closing  words  —  "  Nebraska  shall  be 
free." 

Great  as  was  the  clamor,  however,  it  subsided  almost  instantly, 
as  looking  around  him  with  unmoved  countenance  he  continued 
in  a  calm,  earnest  tone.  "  I  have  not  come  hither  my  friends, 
so  much  to  excite,  as  to  convince  you  —  not  merely  to  rouse 
your  generous  patriotism,  but  to  urge  upon  you  now,  and  in 
view  of  similar  contingencies,  that  fair,  firm  and  consistent  ac- 
tion by  which  alone  you  can  lend  your  aid  to  the  security  and 
extension  of  the  cause  of  freedom.  It  is  because  a  crisis  has 
arisen,  to  which  the  nation  at  large  seems  strangely  indifferent, 
and  because  such  occasions  must  from  time  to  time  occur  so 
long  as  we  are  a  people  divided  upon  one  great  topic,  that  I  have 
endeavored  to  awaken  you  to  the  importance  of  the  event ;  for 
while  I  may  speak  and  you  may  honor  me  by  a  hearing,  respon- 
sibility and  action  belong  to  us  all  alike.  As  good  men  and 
true,  let  us  see  to  it  then  that  in  our  hearts  and  in  our  homes, 
in  the  every-day  walks  of  life,  and  at  the  polls,  we  cherish  and 
maintain  those  high  and  sacred  principles  which  policy,  reason, 
and  an  enlightened  Christianity,  alike  approve."  Then,  with  the 
solemnity  and  fervor  of  one  whose  daily  walk  with  God  kept 
hint  ever  mindful  of  the  Sacred  Presence,  he  commended  the 
assembly  to  the  guidance  and  direction  of  Him  in  whose  hands 
all  men  are  but  as  instruments,  and  the  address  was  ended. 

From  the  commencement  of  the  lecture  to  the  moment  when 
applause  was  at  its  height,  the  impulsive  and  excitable  disposi- 
tion of  Murray  had  exhibited  itself  in  the  animation  of  his 


^28  MADE       VAUGHAN. 

countenance,  the  eagerness  of  his  gestures,  and  the  vehemence 
of  his  cheers ;  Alick,  in  the  meantime,  remaining  thoughtful, 
quiet  and  attentive,  manifesting  to  those  around  him  no  other 
sign  of  emotion  than  that  conveyed  by  the  intense  earnestness 
with  which  his  eye  was  fixed  upon  the  speaker.  The  most 
ardent  sensibilities,  however,  are  seldom  those  which  appear  on 
the  surface,  and  the  soul  of  the  elder  boy  was  none  the  less 
stirred,  that  it  found  no  outward  expression  save  in  a  single 
movement,  which  appealed  to  but  one  person  present,  and  that 
perhaps  the  only  one  in  the  throng  capable  of  appreciating  his 
delicately  organized  and  susceptible  nature.  At  that  crisis  in 
the  feelings  of  the  assembly  when  with  one  accord  they  rose 
and  joined  in  common  acclamation,  the  youth  might  have  been 
observed  to  leave  his  seat,  a  little  in  the  rear  of  Mabel,  and  dart- 
ing down  the  aisle  which  divided  the  gallery,  ensconce  himself 
on  the  lowest  step  directly  beside  his  young  aunt,  who  turned, 
met  the  earnest  look  which  he  fixed  upon  her  face,  responded 
to  it  with  an  answering  smile,  clasped  his  extended  hand,  and 
the  boy  feeling  himself  to  be  understood  by  the  only  being  whose 
sympathy  and  approbation  he  craved,  was  satisfied  and  content ; 
nor  did  he  once  again  change  his  position  or  remove  his  eye 
from  that  of  Percival  until  the  close  of  the  oration. 

We  may  not  probe  the  reflections  which  coursed  through 
the  mind  of  the  boy,  far  less  can  we  follow  all  the  windings  of 
that  train  of  thought  and  emotion  which  partially  revealed 
itself  in  the  face  of  Mabel,  as  she,  too,  watched  the  expression 
of  Percival's  countenance,  and  drank  in  the  inspiration  of  his 
words.  For  the  first :  half-hour  succeeding  her  entrance  she 
was  wholly  engrossed  by  the  tumultuous  and  agitating  thoughts 
which  attended  her  recognition  of  the  speaker.  Already, 
though  known  to  her  only  by  the  report  of  his  manly  virtues, 
she  had  imaged  him  to  herself  as  the  impersonation  of  all  that 
was  truly  noble,  disinterested,  and  heroic ;  and  now,  in  addition 
to  every  other  claim  which  he  possessed  to  her  esteem,  re- 
spect, and  gratitude,  he  had  suddenly  proved  to  be  identical 
with  the  man  who,  years  before,  in  the  hour  of  her  bitter  r.gony 
and  humiliation,  had  won  for  himself  a  lasting  place  in  her 


MABEL   VAUGIIAN.  429 

memory  and  her  prayers,  and  who  once  more,  on  this  very  day, 
had  by  his  zealous  efforts  in  her  behalf  confirmed  her  sense  of 
deep  and  personal  obligation.  No  wonder  then,  that  from  the 
moment  when  the  harmonious  tones  of  his  voice  fell  upon  her 
ear,  confirming,  as  it  were,  the  evidence  of  her  other  senses,  she 
was  for  a  while  unconscious  of  the  subject  of  his  discourse, 
and  realized  only  his  individual  presence. 

She  could  not  long,  however,  continue  indifferent  to  the  topic 
which  evidently,  for  the  time,  engrossed  all  the  powers  of  his 
master  mind,  and  reacted  proportionately  upon  his  audience. 
Her  kindling  eye  and  cheek  soon  gave  evidence  of  the  intelli- 
gence with  which  she  grasped  the  ideas,  and  the  fulness  with 
which  she  shared  the  enthusiasm  of  the  speaker;  the  tear 
which  now  and  then  trembled  on  her  eyelid,  was  significant 
of  the  sensibility  awakened  by  the  pathos  which  marked  some 
portions  of  his  appeal,  and  when,  finally,  the  Christian  orator 
commended  them  all  to  the  keeping  of  their  common  Father, 
her  face  was  expressive  of  the  fervent  aspirations  of  the  up- 
lifted soul. 

The  heart  that  has  been  stirred  to  its  utmost  depths  by  the 
power  of  an  eloquent  and  truthful  tongue,  shrinks  almost  with 
a  sense  of  pain  from  those  common-place  questionings  and 
rejoinders  which  disturb  an  elevated  train  of  thought,  and  grate 
harshly  upon  the  refined  taste.  Thus,  the  impulse  which  led 
the  shy  and  reserved  Alick  to  exclaim  in  a  whisper  to  Mabel, 
as  soon  as  the  address  drew  to  a  termination,  "  Let  us  try  and 
get  out  before  the  crowd,  Auntie,"  met  with  a  corresponding 
prompting  on  her  part ;  but  finding  that  the  suggestion  could 
not  be  carried  into  effect  without  indecorous  haste,  and  the  pos- 
sibility of  giving  offence,  she  made  the  best  of  her  situation, 
suffered  herself  to  be  carried  along  with  the  rest  of  the  throng, 
and  responded  good-naturedly  to  the  various  comments  and 
criticisms  upon  the  orator  and  the  oration  which  saluted  her 
on  every  side.  Murray,  meanwhile,  acting  as  their  pilot,  made 
himself,  as  he  never  failed  to  do,  universally  popular  by  his 
boyish  gallantry  to  the  farmers'  wives,  his  rattling  and  jocose 
conversation  with  sturdy  and  rough-looking  men,  and  his  droll 


430  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

and  mischievous  pranks  with  little  children,  and  boys  of  his  own 
age,  preserving,  at  the  same  time,  a  spice  of  aristocratic  dignity 
which  characterised  him,  and  so  marshalling  his  aunt  and 
brother  through  the  thickest  of  the  press,  that  to  their  aston- 
ishment they  found  themselves  among  the  earliest  to  leave  the 
building. 

"  Is  n't  he  a  splendid  fellow,  Aunt  Mabel  ?  "  exclaimed  Mur- 
ray, as  they  hastened  in  the  direction  of  home.  "  Did  n't  you 
feel  proud  of  him  ?  I  did.  Was  n't  it  grand  to  think  our 
prairie  friend  turned  out,  after  all,  to  be  the  orator  of  the 
evening  ?  " 

"  Yes,  very,"  replied  Mabel,  in  an  absent  way ;  but  Murray, 
too  much  excited  to  need  further  encouragement,  rattled  on 
for  some  time  in  a  similar  strain,  and  closed  by  saying  in  a 
tone  of  confidence,  "  Al  liked  it,  I  know,  because  he  did  n't  say 
a  word ;  he  never  does  when  he 's  pleased ;  but,"  added  the  boy, 
who  had  now  learned  to  love  and  appreciate  his  brother, 
"  he  '11  prove  it  to  us  one  of  these  days,  I  expect,  in  a  way 
that  speaks  louder  than  words." 

"  Alick  will  not  forget  it  very  soon,  shall  you,  Alick  ?  "  said 
Mabel. 

"  Nobody  who  heard  it  will  ever  forget  it,"  said  Alick. 

"  Aunt  Mabel,"  cried  Murray,  "  did  you  see  how  interested 
grand-father  was  ?  " 

"  Yes,  Murray,  he  looked  ten  years  younger  than  usual 
to-night." 

"And  he  "will  bring  Mr.  Percival  home  with  him,  wont  he  ? 
I  saw  him  shaking  hands  with  him  after  the  lecture." 

Mabel  had  no  doubt  of  it,  as  their  uncle  Harry  had  assured 
her  that  his  friend  brought  a  note  of  introduction  to  her 
father. 

"  Well  here  we  are,"  cried  Murray,  as  he  threw  open  the 
house  door.  "Aunt  Sabiah  talks  about  coincidences.  We 
have  got  one  to  tell  her  now  that  will  make  her  open  her 
eyes." 

"My  sister,  Miss  Vaughan  —  my  daughter  —  my  grand- 
sons," said  Mr.  Vaughan,  with  ceremonious  gravity,  as  about 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  431 

half  an  hour  later  he  ushered  Percival  into  the  parlor,  and 
introduced  him  to  his  family. 

Miss  Sabiah  made  her  usual  stiff  courtesy,  but  the  young 
people,  to  the  no  small  astonishment  of  Mr.  Vaughan,  came 
forward,  almost  before  the  words  had  left  his  lips,  and  shook 
hands  with  their  guest,  not  with  the  air  of  those  who  are  mak- 
ing a  new  acquaintance,  but  with  the  prompt  cordiality  with 
which  one  welcomes  a  familiar  friend  ;  while  the  smiles  which 
were  interchanged,  and  the  mutual  congratulations  and  good 
understanding  which  succeeded,  proved  them  to  have  previous 
knowledge  of  one  another. 

"  You  perceive,  Sir,  that  I  am  not  a  stranger  to  your  fam- 
ily," said  Percival.  "  I  had  the  pleasure  of  travelling  in  com- 
pany with  them,  this  afternoon." 

"And  we,"  said  Mabel,  "in  our  anxiety  to  do  honor  to  our 
expected  guest,  suffered  him  to  walk  nearly  a  dozen  miles  over 
the  prairie.  We  could  not  have  taken  advantage  of  your  kind- 
ness with  a  quiet  conscience,  if  we  had  known  the  effort  you 
would  be  called  upon  to  make  this  evening." 

"  I  assure  you,  that  neither  walking  nor  public  speaking  are 
an  effort  to  me,"  said  Percival.  "  I  have  accustomed  myself, 
in  the  superintendence  of  my  farm,  to  twice  the  amount  of 
exercise  I  have  had  to-day,  and,  perhaps,  the  same  cause  has 
insured  me  healthy  lungs.  I  only  hope  that  yourself  and  my 
young  friends  here  feel  as  little  sense  of  fatigue  as  I  do." 

They  all  disclaimed  any  weariness  from  their  journey ;  and 
then,  to  relieve  Mr.  Vaughan's  perplexity,  Percival  gave  an 
outline  of  their  little  adventure,  treating  the  matter  lightly, 
however,  and  claiming  no  merit  for  the  essential  aid  he  had 
rendered. 

As  it  appeared,  upon  inquiry,  that  he  had  had  no  opportunity 
for  refreshment  of  any  sort  since  he  halted  at  a  village  tavern, 
a  little  before  mid-day,  Mabel  hastened  from  the  room,  "  on 
hospitable  thought  intent,"  and  while  Mr.  Percival  engaged 
her  father  upon  the  subject  of  agriculture,  and  especially  Har- 
ry's successful  farming,  in  which  the  old  gentleman  had  never 
before  appeared  to  take  the  slightest  interest,  she  assisted 


432  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

Melissa  in  spreading  a  table  and  preparing  an  inviting  repast 
All  were  soon  gathered  round  the  neat  and  plentiful  board,  at 
which  Mabel  presided  with  as  much  grace  and  dignity  as  if  she 
had  held  the  seat  of  honor  in  her  father's  'New  York  mansion, 
with  Robert,  the  well-trained  waiter,  standing  behind  her  chair. 
Aunt  Sabiali,  who  had  long  since  resigned  all  responsible 
offices,  occupied  a  seat  at  her  niece's  right  hand,  and,  as  she 
only  joined  the  rest  for  sociability's  sake,  kept  on  with  her  knit- 
ting—  that  favorite  employment  which  she  now  no  longer  pur- 
sued from  habit  merely,  since  Alick,  Murray,  and  even  Harry, 
despite  his  former  raillery,  had  long  since  found  a  way  to  give 
shape  to  the  warm  stockings,  for  which  they  were  indebted  to 
her  industry.  Mr.  Vaughan,  contrary  to  his  usual  habits, 
sipped  a  cup  of  chocolate,  while  Percival  and  the  boys  (boys 
are  always  hungry)  did  justice  to  the  cold  ham,  bread,  and 
tarts.  The  appetites  of  all  were  fully  satisfied,  however,  and 
still  they  lingered  at  the  table.  Mr.  Vaughan,  ordinarily  silent 
and  reserved,  was  roused  to  animation  and  interest,  as  he  con- 
versed with  Percival  on  the  great  events  of  the  day.  Sabiah 
forgot  her  shyness,  and  the  drowsiness  which  usually  overtook 
her  at  intervals  was  effectually  dispersed,  as  their  young  guest 
illustrated  the  subjects  under  discussion  by  many  a  sparkling 
anecdote  or  striking  incident.  The  boys  were  encouraged  to 
contribute  their  share  to  the  social  interchange  of  thought;  and 
Mabel's  opinions  and  feelings  were  deferred  to  with  that  con- 
sideration which  highminded  men  are  ever  ready  to  pay  to 
intelligent  women.  Thus  midnight  found  them  still  enjoying 
each  other's  society,  and  it  was  not  until  the  loud  striking  clock 
reminded  them  of  the  hour,  that,  with  mutual  expressions  of 
surprise  at  its  being  so  late,  the  little  party  separated  for  the 
night. 

"  Good  morning,  Auntie,"  cried  Murray,  as,  the  next  day  soon 
after  sunrise,  he  called  to  her  from  outside  the  pantry,  adjoining 
the  kitchen,  where  she  was  busy  in  making  some  preparation 
for  breakfast ;  and,  as  he  spoke,  the  affectionate,  thoughtless 
boy  flung  open  the  blinds  and  disclosed  the  figure  of  Mabel 


MABEL    VAUGTIAN.  4 .3.3 

standing  just  withiivihe  open  window  moulding  some  biscuit 
with  the  cover  of  the  dredging-box  which  she  held  in  her  hand. 

His  salutation  was  responded  to  with  heartiness  and  good 
humor,  nor  did  the  young  housewife  blush,  or  seem  in  the  le.'i.-4 
disconcerted,  upon  perceiving  their  guest,  who,  dressed  in  his 
hunting  suit,  and  with  rifle  on  his  shoulder,  was  leaving  the 
house  with  the  boys,  and  who,  like  them,  paused  to  inquire 
after  her  health  and  speak  of  the  beauty  of  the  morning. 

And  why  should  she  blush?  On  the  contrary,  she  had 
reason  to  be  proud  of  the  picture  which  the  sunshine  revealed, 
as  it  streamed  through  the  apartment.  The  spotless  shelves, 
with  their  glittering  rows  of  pans,  the  almost  polished  floor,  the 
exquisite  order  and  neatness  of  all  the  domestic  paraphernalia, 
were  only  equalled  by  the  good  taste  and  harmony  observable 
in  the  person  of  the  fair  mistress  of  the  establishment,  who, 
attired  in  a  simple  lilac  print  (none  the  less  becoming  to  her 
faultless  figure  because  .her  own  hands  had  made  it),  with  a 
snowy  collar,  and  smooth,  glossy  hair,  stood  radiant  with  the 
beauty  of  the  girl,  and  serene  with  the  chastened  benignity  of 
womanhood. 

"We  have  heard  some  wild  ducks  in  the  direction  of  the 
river,"  said  Percival,  "and  are  going  to  have  a  shot  at  them." 

"  I  shall  come  home  -with  a  proof  of  my  skill ;  see  if  I  don't, 
Aunt  Mabel ! "  cried  Murray,  running  forward  and  gaily  toss- 
ing his  cap  in  the  air. 

Percival  and  Alick  followed,  laughing  at  Murray's  confidence 
and  zeal.  Mabel  wished  them  success,  and  stood  looking  after 
them  a  moment,  her  rosy-tipped  fingers,  slightly  besprinkled 
with  flour,  resting  meanwhile  on  the  moulding  board ;  then 
closing  the  blinds,  without,  however,  shutting  out  'from  the 
mind's  eye  the  image  of  that  manly  form  and  open  countenance 
which  carried  with  them  a  cheerful  and  magical  influence,  she 
quietly  resumed  her  occupation.  After  delivering  the  pan  of 
biscuit  to  Melissa's  charge,  and  leaving  to  her,  also,  the  cooking 
of  Bayard's  prairie  fowl,  in  the  serving  of  which  she  was  an 
adept,  Mabel  joined  her  aunt  in  the  parlor,  and  had  not  yet  laid 
down  the  Bible,  from  which  she  had,  by  Sabiah's  request,  been 
37 


434  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

reading  a  chapter  aloud,  when  the  sportsmen  returned  from 
their  excursion  to  the  river-side. 

"Ah,  you  have  been  fortunate,  Murray !"  said  she,  as  she 
observed  a  pair  of  silver-breasted  ducks,  which  the  latter  had 
thrown  down  upon  the  grass. 

"  Yes,"  said  the  boy,  in  a  slightly  disappointed  tone,  "  but 
Alick  shot  them." 

"  Murray  spoke  just  before  he  fired,"  said  Percival,  "  and 
startled  them  so  that  they  rose ;  then  Alick  fired  the  other  bar- 
rel and  shot  them  on  the  wing." 

Mabel  looked  meaningly  at  Murray  and  laughed. 

"  I  know,"  said  Murray,  good-naturedly.  "  I  thought  of  it 
myself;  it  is  just  as  you  always  say,  Auntie;  I  do  the  boasting 
and  Al  carries  away  the  prize." 

"  Must  you  leave  us  so  early?"  said  Mr.  Vaughan,  in  a  tone 
of  positive  regret,  as  immediately  after  breakfast  Bayard's 
horse  was  brought  to  the  door. 

"I  fear  I  must,  sir,"  replied  Percival,  turning  away  from 
Rosy's  picture,  at  which  he  had  been  gazing  attentively ;  "  a 
similar  duty  to  that  which  brought  me  here  last  night  summons 
me  to-day  to  a  distance  of  some  forty  miles ;  but  I  hope  at  some 
future  time  to  have  the  privilege  of  enjoying  and  returning 
your  hospitality." 

Mr.  Vaughan,  seeming  for  the  first  time  to  realize  that  his 
present  home  could  be  rendered  attractive,  pressed  upon  Bay- 
ard his  desire  to  welcome  him  there  as  often  as  might  be,  and 
still  further  astonished  his  family  by  declaring  that  he  was  soon 
going  to  see  Harry,  and  would  take  the  same  opportunity  of 
paying  Mr.  Percival  a  visit. 

Mabel  was  standing  on  the  door-step  when  Bayard  came  to 
bid  her  farewell.  He  had  shaken  hands  with  Sabiah  in  the 
inner  room.  Mr.  Vaughan  and  the  boys  had  walked  down  to 
the  roadside,  where  James  was  attaching  the  saddlebags  to  the 
saddle.  For  the  first  time,  therefore,  she  saw  him  apart  from 
the  rest  of  the  household.  She  gave  him  a  few  last  messages 
for  his  mother ;  then,  as  he  lingered,  evidently  loth  to  depart, 
she  said  in  a  hesitating,  tremulous  voice,  "  It  is  now  more  than 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  435 

six  years,  Mr.  Percival,  since  you  did  me  a  kindness  which 
few  would  have  attempted,  and  which  few  could  have  done. 
I  have  never  thanked  you  ;  I  never  can,  —  but  I  trust  you 
believe  that  I  can  never  forget  it." 

"  Miss  Vaughan,"  said  he,  "  I  did  only  what  common  hu- 
manity demanded  of  one  who  had  the  soul  of  a  man ;  it  has 
been  left  for  you  to  teach  me  the  higher  and  holier  lesson  of 
what  may  be  accomplished  by  a  woman.  Your  brother  makes 
no  secret,  with  his  friends,  at  least,  of  the  priceless  blessings 
which  he  owes  to  a  sister's  love." 

"  Harry  has  an  appreciating  disposition,"  said  Mabel,  "  and 
his  good  heart  makes  him  grateful  for  the  affection  and  kind- 
ness which  he  always  feels  to  be  beyond  his  merits.  The 
events  of  that  night,  which  are  so  fixed  in  my  memory,  hav« 
happily  passed  from  his,  but  of  your  consistent  friendship  in 
later  years  he  can  never  saj  enough." 

"  It  is  a  friendship  which  is  invaluable  to  me,"  said  Percival. 
"  Harry  is  a  noble  fellow,  —  worthy  of  the  sister  who  has  mad* 
him  what  he  is.  I  am  most  proud  and  happy  to  have  met 
you  again,  Miss  Vaughan."  He  paused,  seemed  anxious  to  add 
something  more,  —  hesitated,  and  then,  with  an  embarrassment 
foreign  to  his  usual  manner,  bade  her  an  abrupt  farewell. 

Mr.  Vaughan  and  the  boys,  after  seeing  him  ride  off,  walked 
slowly  back  to  the  house,  and  the  ordinary  events  of  their 
daily  life  succeeded.  But,  although  Percival  had  been  their 
guest  for  one  night  only,  his  presence  and  influence  had  left 
no  ordinary  impression  upon  every  individual  of  the  family, 
and  it  was  long  before  any  of  them  could  cease  to  be  conscious 
of  the  void  which  his  departure  had  created  in  their  circle. 


C  II  A  PTER     XXXVII. 

Bread  of  our  souls  !  \vhereon  we  feed  ; 

True  manna  from  on  high  ! 
Our  guide  and  chart !  wherein  we  read 

Of  realms  beyond  the  sky. 

BERNARD  BARTON, 

EVER  since  the  period  of  Mr.  Gracie's  sickness  and  death, 
the  mind  of  Mr.  Vauglian  had  seemed  to  some  degree  weaned 
from  the  one  haunting  and  harrowing  subject  to  which  its 
energies  had  for  the  last  ten  years  been  directed,  and  the 
River  Valley  Railroad,  with  all  the  expectations  involved  in 
it,  though  not  abandoned  by  him,  had  ceased  to  absorb  his 
thoughts.  The  saddening  and  solemnizing  event  which  had 
deprived  him  of  a  valued  friend,  could  not  fail  to  remind  him 
of  the  mortality  which  sets  bounds  to  all  earthly  schemes. 
The  presence  of  the  bereaved  orphan  in  his  household  had 
excited  in  him  a  truly  paternal  sympathy;  and  finally,  her 
marriage  with  his  son,  in  which  he  took  a  deeper  satisfaction 
than  was  suffered  to  appear,  had  imparted  to  his  present  ex- 
perience a  genuine  and  touching  interest,  which  had  for  a  time 
dispelled  the  eager  and  calculating  spirit  by  which  he  had 
hitherto  been  actuated. 

Thus  he  was,  as  we  have  seen  on  the  Occasion  of  Percival's 
visit,  more  than  usually  alive  to  topics  relating  to  the  public 
welfare,  and  not  only  took  upon  himself  readily  the  duties  of 
a  host,  but  manifested  in  the  young  man's  society  a  pleasure 
and  animation  truly  astonishing  to  those  who  knew  him  only 
as  the  abstracted,  self-absorbed,  and  disappointed  man. 

Scarcely  had  this  agreeable  episode  in  his  ordinary  life 
terminated,  however,  when  the  old  man  once  more  became  a 
prey  to  the  all-engrossing  object  of  his  fond  aspirations,  and 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  437 

the  mind  which  had  partially  recovered  its  equanimity,  was 
plunged  into  the  mad  vortex  of  bewildering  and  exciting  emo- 
tions. 

That  effervescent  and  speculative  portion  of  the  community, 
which  is  ever  anxious  to  push  the  car  of  progress  to  an  alarm- 
ing rate  of  speed,  and  on  whom  Mr.  Vaughan  had  throughout 
based  all  his  reliance,  began  once  more  to  turn  their  eyes  to 
that  comprehensive  scheme  of  public  improvement,  which  in- 
cluded the  realization  of  his  hopes ;  and  the  torch  thus  kindled 
proved  all-sufficient  to  fire  his  slumbering  energies  with  a 
new  and  lively  enthusiasm.  Communications  were  received 
and  dispatched  by  every  mail;  Mabel  and  the  boys  being  em- 
ployed as  amanuenses  by  the  enfeebled  man,  whose  trembling 
hand  could  no  longer  keep  pace  with  his  excited  ideas.  Mes- 
sengers arrived  from  various  directions,  engineers  and  survey- 
ors made  their  appearance  in  the  vicinity,  and  routes,  bounda- 
ries and  grades,  stocks,  contracts,  and  government  appropria- 
tions, were  the  engrossing  subjects  of  thought,  conversation, 
and  correspondence.  Once  more  the  roll  of  charts,  recently 
fallen  into  comparative  disuse,  was  brought  forward,  examined, 
and  allotted  a  conspicuous  place  on  the  table  of  the  little  par- 
lor, now  become  the  scene  of  eager  consultations ;  and  onct 
more  old  Sorrel  was  called  into  requisition  for  those  journey- 
ings  which  Mr.  Vaughan,  despite  his  years,  undertook  as  rea- 
dily as  in  former  times,  usually  accompanied,  however,  by  one 
of  his  grandsons,  both  of  whom  shared  Mabel's  anxious  sense 
of  responsibility  concerning  him. 

But  this  period  of  suspense  and  agitation  proved  as  short- 
lived as  it  was  sudden  and  engrossing.  Difficulties  presented 
themselves  on  every  hand,  public  appropriations  were  refused, 
private  resources  failed  to  be  forthcoming,  discouragement 
succeeded  discouragement,  and  finally,  after  a  fortnight  of 
vain  discussion,  the  originators  of  the  movement,  having  ex- 
hausted their  fruitless  zeal,  dropped  off  one  by  one,  and  the 
early  pilot  on  this  voyage  of  adventure  found  himself,  as  he 
had  so  often  done  before,  standing  solitary  and  deserted  amid 
the  wreck  of  his  fallen  hopes. 
37* 


438  MABEL    V A UGH AN. 

It  was  loo  much  for  him;  and  on  the  day  when,  forsaken  by 
his  allies,  he  beheld  the  downfall  of  the  last  stronghold  on 
which  his  expectations  had  been  founded,  he  turned  his  steps 
homeward,  and,  with  a  despairing  countenance,  trembling  gait, 
and  hoary  head  sunk  'upon  his  breast,  declined  all  nourish- 
ment, and  sought  his  bed,  from  which  he  seemed  destined 
never  to  rise  again. 

Nor  was  it  mental  despondency  alone  which  had  thus  re- 
duced him.  In  his  eager  pursuit  of  the  fortune  which  he  felt 
to  be  at  length  almost  within  his  grasp,  he  had  spared  himself 
neither  privation,  exposure,  nor  fatigue,  frequently  continuing 
abroad  until  a  late  hour,  unprotected  from  the  heavy  night- 
dews,  eating  his  meals  with  but  little  appetite  or  regularity, 
and  deprived,  by  excitement,  of  all  natural  and  refreshing 
rest.  These  circumstances,  acting  upon  a  constitution  already 
enfeebled  by  anxiety  and  years,  could  have  but  one  result  ; 
and  when,  at  last,  the  suspense  was  ended,  and  the  blow  of 
final  disappointment  struck  home,  it  was  disease  no  less  than 
despair,  which  prostrated  the  aged  man,  and  alarmed  his  family 
at  once  for  his  reason  and  his  life. 

He  asked  no  questions,  expressed  no  wants,  and  made  no 
complaints ;  his  only  sign  of  intelligence  being  conveyed  in  the 
mournful  inquiry  with  which  he  scanned  the  faces  about  him, 
as  if  seeking  to  discover  whether  his  family  shared  his  anguish 
at  the  bursting  of  fortune's  bubble  ;  and  it  was  not  until  symp- 
toms of  pneumonia  made  their  appearance,  that  the  village 
physician  was  summoned  and  his  condition  rightly  understood. 

All  ordinary  avocations  were  now  abandoned,  and  the  whole 
household  united  in  attentions  and  devotion  to  one  wrhom 
Mabel's  example,  no  less  than  their  own  feelings,  had  taught 
them  to  regard  with  that  tenderness  which  is  usually  paid 
exclusively  to  infancy.  His  comfortable  bed-room  opened 
directly  into  their  only  parlor;  but  the  perfect  quiet  which 
reigned  there  was  never  disturbed  by  this  circumstance,  for 
even  Murray  shared  the  general  solicitude,  and  softened  his 
voice  instinctively  the  moment  he  entered  the  house.  Mabel, 
whose  capabilities  as  a  nurse  had  been  well  proved  already, 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  409 

was  ever  at  the  post  of  duty,  reinforced  and  aided,  however, 
by  Alick,  who,  patient,  gentle,  and  capable  as  a  woman,  placed 
himself  at  his  grandfather's  bedside  and  waited  on  him  with  an 
assiduity  which  was  touching  in  a  youth  of  his  years.  Thus 
nursed  with  the  most  faithful  devotion,  and  preserved  from 
every  agitating  sight  and  sound,  it  soon  became  evident  that 
while  Mr.  Yaughan's  outward  man  was  wrestling  with  deep- 
seated  disease,  and  his  life  hung,  as  it  were,  upon  a  thread, 
his  mind  was  gradually  resuming  more  than  its  wonted  calm- 
ness, and  his  face  was  marked  with  serenity  and  repose.  His 
eye,  which  at  times  had  been  penetrating  in  its  stare,  or  blank 
with  vacuity,  now  wore  a  mild,  benignant  expression  as  it  was 
turned  upon  his  daughter,  sister,  and  grandchildren;  and  as  he 
watched  their  movements  about  his  room,  his  countenance 
indicated  pleasure  and  satisfaction  at  the  peace,  harmony,  and 
good  order  which  pervaded  the  apartment. 

As  his  disease  approached  the  stage  when  the  physician 
confessed  apprehensions  for  the  life  of  his  patient,  Murray  was 
despatched  to  communicate  the  tidings  to  Harry  and  Helen, 
who  hastened  to  him  without  delay;  but,  on  their  arrival,  the 
crisis  had  already  passed,  the  patient  had  rallied,  and  there 
was  now  a  prospect  of  his  speedy  recovery. 

"  I  thought  I  never  should  see  you  again,  my  boy,"  said  the 
feeble  invalid,  as  he  stretched  out  his  wasted  hand  and  clasped 
that  of  his  son  in  cordial  and  tender  greeting.  "  I  have  been 
very  ill." 

The  strong  man  was  subdued  in  Harry,  as  he  beheld  the 
wasted  form  of  his  father,  and  marked  the  unusual  depth  and 
pathos  of  his  tones.  He  could  not  trust  himself  to  speak,  but 
sat  down  at  the  head  of  the  bed,  a  little  out  of  sight. 

"  I  have  had  another  disappointment,  Harry,"  said  the  old 
man,  in  a  low,  expressive  tone,  at  the  same  time  turning  his 
head  a  little  that  he  might  see  his  son's  face.  "  Did  you  know 
that?" 

"  Yes,  father,"  said  Harry ;  "  I  know  all  about  it,  and  I  hope 
it  is  the  last  you  will  ever  have  on  the  subject.  It  is  not  worth 
a  regret,  except  for  the  illness  it  has  caused  you.  No  advan- 


440  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

tage  we  could  have  from  that  quarter  could  make  us  half  so 
happy  as  we  shall  be  now,  when  we  see  you  well  again." 

Mr.  Vaughan,  who  had  turned  his  eyes  in  another  direction, 
once  more  fixed  them  on  his  son,  as  if  to  judge  of  his  sincerity; 
then,  apparently  satisfied,  he  inquired  for  Helen,  who  at  once 
came  forward,  saying,  "Here  I  am,  Sir,  only  waiting  my  turn !" 

He  smiled  affectionately  upon  her,  thanked  her  for  coming 
so  far  to  see  a  sick  old  man,  made  her  sit  down  on  the  side  of 
his  bed,  and  would  have  wearied  himself  with  questioning  her 
concerning  her  new  home,  but  the  doctor  fortunately  came  in 
at  the  moment  and  saved  him  from  the  consequences  of  too 
much  fatigue. 

"  Leave  the  door  open,  Mabel,"  said  he,  when  his  daughter, 
who,  later  in  the  evening  came  to  bring  him  a  cup  of  tea,  was 
about  to  close  the  door  opening  into  the  parlor.  "  Do  not  be 
afraid  of  disturbing  me ;  I  like  to  hear  you  talk.  Inquire  of 
Harry  about  his  farm  and  his  crops,  and  tell  him  about  Mr. 
Percival's  visit  to  us  and  his  address  to  the  people." 

TVondering,  scarcely  daring  to  trust  the  evidence  of  her 
senses,  Mabel  did  as  she  was  requested,  asking  herself,  mean- 
while, what  could  have  awakened  in  her  hitherto  self-absorbed 
and  indifferent  parent,  such  a  thoughtful  interest  in  his  children's 
conversation  and  pursuits.  She  half  suspected  that  it  had  its 
source  in  feverish  excitement,  and  that  he  would  experience, 
in  consequence,  a  wakeful  night,  possibly  a  relapse.  But,  on 
the  contrary,  the  soft  murmur  of  pleasant  voices  seemed  to 
have  a  soothing  influence  upon  the  invalid,  for  his  sleep  was 
more  than  usually  refreshing,  and,  so  far  from  his  suffering  a 
relapse,  two  days  after,  when  Harry  and  Helen  left  to  return 
home,  he  was  decidedly  convalescent. 

One  evening,  while  he  was  still  confined  to  his  bed,  Mabel, 
who  had  been  sitting  beside  him  for  an  hour  or  more,  rose, 
listened  a  moment  to  his  regular  breathing,  then,  believing  him 
to  be  asleep,  went  cautiously  out  into  the  parlor,  and,  in  her 
anxiety  to  close  the  latch  gently,  unintentionally  left  the  door 
ajar.  It  was  the  season  of  the  brilliant  harvest  moon,  whose 
rays  were  streaming  across  the  floor,  and  Sabiah,  who  always 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  441 

loved  a  moonlight  night,  was  enjoying  it  at  her  favorite  window. 
Weary  with  the  labors  of  the  day,  and  suffering  also  from  a 
headache,  which  was  unusual  to  her,  Mabel  approached  with  a 
languid  step,  and,  sitting  down  on  a  low  footstool,  leaned  against 
her  aunt's  knee.  They  had  remained  thus  in  silence  for  some 
time,  when  Sabiah  almost  startled  her  niece  by  the  abruptness 
and  warmth  with  which  she  exclaimed,  "Mabel,-!  am  afraid 
you  will  be  an  old  maid !  " 

The  low,  merry  laugh  which  succeeded  Mabel's  first  aston- 
ishment at  her  aunt's  earnestness,  seemed  to  signify  how  little 
she  dreaded  the  doom  of  which  Sabiah  had  such  a  fearful  fore- 
boding. 

"  Ay,  you  may  laugh  now,"  said  Sabiah,  "  but  it  will  be  a 
different  thing  when  you  come  to  be  an  old  woman  and  have 
nobody  to  love  you  or  take  care  of  you.  You  think  you  can  't 
do  enough  for  those  boys,  and  Harry,  and  your  father,  and  me, 
and  you  never  stop  to  ask  what  is  going  to  become  of  yourself. 
It 's  well  enough,  now,  while  you  can  have  the  comfort  of  feel- 
ing that  we  could  n't  do  without  yon,  but  what  if  you  should 
find  yourself  at  last  all  alone  in  the  world,  with  nobody  to  care 
whether  you  lived  or  died  ?  " 

"  Has  it  been  so  with  you,  Aunt  ?  "  asked  Mabel. 

"  No,  child ! "  answered  Sabiah,  with  feeling,  at  the  same 
time  smoothing  Mabel's  hair  tenderly  with  her  hand.  "  I  thank 
God  for  the  mercy  with  which  he  is  leading  me  on  the  down- 
hill of  life.  But  don't  trust  to  my  experience.  You  won't 
find  another  Mabel  in  the  world.'* 

"  I  shall  always  find  somebody  to  love,"  said  Mabel;  "some- 
body to  whom  I  can  be  of  use." 

u  Yes,  I  am  sure  of  that,"  said  Sabiah.  "  You  '11  find  such, 
if  any  body  can;  but  if  there  was  one  thing  more  than  another 
that  1  have  prayed  might  come  to  pass,  it  was  that  I  might 
live  to  see  you  a  happy  wife.  But,  oh!  there's  disappointments 
everywhere.  When  you  were  in  New  York  I  used  always  to 
be  afraid  some  scapegrace  would  be  hanging  round  after  your 
father's  money.  There  was  Mr.  Dudley  —  to  be  sure,  I  always 
liked  him,  and  thought  something  would  come  of  his  following 


442  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

you  up  so  sharp,  but  you  could  n't  seem  between  you  to  make 
that  go." 

Mabel  smiled  thoughtfully,  as  she  remembered  the  indiscrim- 
inate zeal  with  which  her  aunt  had  always  espoused  Dudley's 
interests.  There  was  no  other  emotion  awakened  in  her  heart, 
however,  at  the  mention  of  his  name.  The  events  connected 
with  this  early  preference,  viewed  as  they  were  through  the 
glass  of  a  memory  laden  with  anxieties  and  care,  seemed  to  be 
rather  a  part  of  her  child-life,  than  a  bitter  and  realized  fact  in 
her  womanhood. 

"  And  now,  out  here,"  continued  Sabiah, —  "  well,  they  used 
to  say,  when  I  was  a  gal,  if  you  are  meant  to  be  married,  you 
will  be,  and  you  may  as  well  sit  in  the  chimney  corner  and 
wait ;  but,  la,  one  might  wait  here  to  all  eternity  and  never 
see  any  body  that  was  good  enough  for  you.  Ah,  that 's  the 
rub,  after  all,  to  find  any  body  that's  good  enough  for  you, 
Mabel!" 

"  I  never  saw  but  one  person  that  was  good  enough  for  her," 
said  Alick,  who  had  come  in  unperceived. 

"  And  who  was  that,  pray  ?  "  asked  Sabiah. 

"  Mr.  Percival." 

"  Well,"  said  Sabiah,  "  I  know  you  boys  think  there  never 
was  anything  that  could  hold  a  candle  to  him.  And  so  he  is  a 
handsome  fellow,  and  very  entertaining ;  but  he  is  n't  thinking 
about  a  wife.  His  head  is  full  of  politics.  Besides,  I  always 
have  a  dread  of  your  political  characters  —  they  make  the 
most  miserable  husbands." 

"  Aunt  Mabel,"  said  Alick,  whose  thoughtful  mind  often  led 
him  from  the  special  topic  of  conversation  into  the  wider  field 
of  philosophy,  "  do  you  think  a  man  is  any  more  likely  to  for- 
get simple,  every-day  duties,  because  he  is  engaged  in  a  great 
work,  and  has  a  great  object  in  view  ?  " 

"  I  think  it  depends  altogether  upon  his  motives,  Alick," 
replied  Mabel.  "  If  he  is  influenced  merely  by  selfishness  and 
ambition,  he  would  probably  pursue  his  prize  at  the  expense  of 
every  other  claim,  whether  small  or  great ;  but  I  do  not  believe 
that  a  man  who  is  actuated  by  pure  Christian  benevolence  is 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  443 

any  less  faithful  to  simple  duties,  because  he  is  also  striving  to 
benefit  humanity  in  a  larger  sphere  of  usefulness." 

"  Nobody  can  doubt  that  Mr.  Percival  is  disinterested,"  said 
Alick  ;  "  he  proved  it  when  he  was  not  much  older  than  I  am. 
Did  you  know,  Auntie,  that  he  inherited  a  handsome  property 
from  an  uncle  of  his  mother's,  when  he  was  only  eighteen 
years  old,  and  that,  as  soon  as  he  became  of  age,  he  insisted 
upon  dividing  it  with  his  half-sister,  a  widow,  who  has  several 
children  and  is  lame  ?  He  took  this  "Western  property  for  his 
share,  at  a  very  high  valuation,  and  gave  up  air  the  rest,  except 
a  portion  which  was  secured  to  his  mother  for  her  life  time. 
General  Percival  objected  very  much  to  the  arrangement,  be- 
cause he  feared  his  brother  would  regret  it  when  he  grew  older. 
But  so  far  from  that,  a  few  years  ago,  when  the  General  was 
ill,  and  on  half  pay,  Bayard  assisted  him  very  much  in  the 
education  of  his  family,  and  even  had  his  daughter,  Bessie, 
thoroughly  instructed  in  music." 

"  Who  told  you  this,  Alick  ?  Not  Mr.  Percival  ?  "  said  Ma- 
bel, at  the  same  time  pondering  in  her  mind  Dudley's  insinua- 
tions concerning  the  difficulty  which  had  existed  in  the  family 
with  regard  to  settling  the  estate. 

"  Oh,  no  !  Uncle  Harry  heard  of  it  from  a  gentleman  whose 
father  was  one  of  the  trustees  of  the  property.  But  I  know 
that  it  cost  Mr.  Percival  a  sacrifice ;  because  I  mentioned  to 
him  the  other  morning  that  I  had  a  great  desire  to  go  into  one 
of  the  territories  and  settle,  when  I  got  older,  and  he  remarked, 
that  when  he  was  of  my  age  he  had  a  strong  preference  for 
living  in  New  York,  but  that  he  was  very  glad  he  decided  as 
he  did." 

"  Auntie,"  said  Murray,  who  had  come  in  while  Alick  was 
speaking,  "I  wonder  why  grandfather  cares  so  much  about 
making  a  great  fortune.  Uncle  Harry  says  that  Al  and  I 
ought  to  be  very  thankful  we  have  got  our  own  living  to  earn, 
for  that  money  came  very  near  being  the  ruin  of  him,  and  that 
Mr.  Percival,  although  he  would  have  been  a  fine  man  any- 
where, would  never  have  been  the  man  he  is  if  he  had  not  been 
obliged  to  exert  himself." 


444  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

"  Wealth  is  a  great  temptation,  and  a  great  responsibility ," 
said  Mabel.  "  I  hope,  if  you  ever  possess  it,  you  will  have  first 
learned  how  to  make  it  truly  valuable." 

A  conversation  now  ensued  with  reference  to  the  boys' 
future  choice  of  professions,  in  which  they  might  hope  for  use- 
fulness and  success  ;  a  not  infrequent  subject  of  discussion,  but 
which  was,  on  this  occasion,  terminated  by  Mabel's  remarking, 
"  It  is  getting  late,  boys  ;  Aunt  Sabiah  looks  tired,  and  we  shall 
have  ample  time  to  consider  the  comparative  merits  of  the  dif- 
ferent professions  before  either  of  you  are  obliged  to  come  to  a 
decision.  In  the  mean  time,  we  will  remember  that  the  most 
honorable  calling  for  each  of  us,  is  that  which  we  are  best 
capable  of  fulfilling.  Murray,  please  ask  Melissa  for  a  light. 
Shall  WTC  read  now,  Aunt  Sabiah?"  and  rising  from  her  low  seat, 
Mabel  took  the  Bible  and  prayer-book  from  the  table,  and 
when  Murray  came  back  with  the  lamp,  read,  according  to  their 
evening  custom,  a  portion  of  Scripture  and  a  simple  prayer, 
such  as  she  and  the  boys  had  become  familiar  with  from  long 
use  of  their  little  service-book.  Aunt  Sabiah,  who  had  formerly 
held  herself  aloof  from  this  act  of  social  worship,  now  joined 
in  it  with  humble  fervor ;  while  as  the  sound  of  their  united 
voices  penetrated  to  the  ears^  of  one,  who,  through  the  open 
door  of  the  adjoining  room,  had  overheard  every  syllable  that 
fell  from  their  lips  during  the  evening,  another  aged  heart 
was  touched,  and  another  voice  responded  in  an  earnest  Amen. 

"  Good  night,  my  daughter,"  said  Mr.  Vaughan,  as  Mabel 
was  leaving  his  room,  after  moving  about  with  a  light  step  to 
see  that  everything  was  arranged  for  his  comfort,  shading  the 
lamp  with  her  hand,  lest  its  rays  might  wake  the  supposed 
sleeper. 

"  Are  you  awake,  father  ?  "  asked  she,  in  some  surprise. 

"  Yes,  my  child,  wide  awake  ;  -more  so  than  for  many  a  long 
year.  My  eyes  are  opened  at  last,  Mabel,  to  the  truths  to 
which  they  have  long — too  long — been  closed  ;  come  and  kiss 
me  before  you  go  to  bed."  And  as  she  stooped  over  him  to 
fulfil  the  unusual  request,  he  added,  "  you  are  a  good  girl,  my 
dear  —  a  great  blessing  to  your  old  father." 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  445 

The  next  evening,  when  one  of  the  boys  went  to  seek  the 
Bible  in  its  customary  place,  it  could  not  be  found.  Mabel 
rose  to  assist  in  the  search,  and  at  length  discovered  it  on  the 
little  table  beside  her  father's  bed,  with  his  spectacles  between 
its  covers.  Occasionally,  afterwards,  it  was  missing,  and  \vas 
found  in  the  same  place  ;  and  once  Mabel  observed  the  old 
man  attentively  reading  it.  He  laid  it  down,  upon  perceiving 
her,  however,  and  no  remark  was  made  on  either  side. 

At  length  his  strength,  which  was  only  restored  by  slow  de- 
grees, became  so  far  established  that  he  was  able  to  leave  his 
room,  and  once  more  take  his  place  at  the  parlor  fireside.  One 
day,  when  he  had  been  thus  seated  for  some  hours,  gazing  into 
the  fire,  communing  with  his  own  thoughts  and  apparently 
unconscious  of  everything  around  him,  he  suddenly  lifted  his 
head  and  exclaimed  to  his  daughter,  who  was  the  only  person 
present,  "  Mabel,  bring  me  my  charts  !  " 

With  trembling  reluctance  she  obeyed  him;  though  as  she 
placed  the  roll  in  his  hand  she  still  retained  a  slight  hold  upon  it, 
longing  to  intercede  and  beg  him  to  refrain  from  harassing 
his  mind  with  the  dreaded  subject,  but  restrained  by  filial 
deference  from  thus  interfering.  His  manner,  however,  was 
decisive,  and  she  relinquished  the  papers,  still  maintaining  her 
place  beside  him,  and  awaiting  his  movements.  To  her  aston- 
ishment, he  deliberately  unrolled  the  outside  chart,  and  with- 
out hesitation  tore  it  down  the  middle,  and  committed  the 
fragments  to  the  flames ;  then  removing  the  next,  he  dealt  with 
it  in  like  manner,  and  so  on,  successively,  until  the  whole  were 
consumed. 

Great  as  had  been  Mabel's  horror  of  this  deceitful  schedule 
of  future  fortune,  she  could  not  resist  a  sudden  shudder  and 
sensation  of  alarm,  as  she  thus  witnessed  the  annihilation  of 
the  time-worn  papers,  which  she  had  learned  to  regard  with  a 
species  of  awe.  She  was  reassured,  however,  by  the  calm, 
self-satisfied  smile  with  which  her  father  looked  up  at  her, 
when  the  work  of  destruction  was  accomplished.  More  com- 
pletely still  was  she  conscious  of  the  sanity  of  his  purpose, 
when,  laying  his  hand  upon  the  Bible,  which  rested  on  the 
38 


446  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

table  beside  him,  he  said,  solemnly,  "  Henceforward,  Mabel, 
this  is  my  only  chart ;  and  the  only  road  which  shall  engross 
my  thoughts,  is  that  which  leadeth  to  eternal  rest.  I  have 
striven  too  long  after  the  things  which  perish,  forgetful  of  those 
which  endure  unto  everlasting  life.  I  have  coveted  for  my 
children  the  wealth  which  would  have  been  to  them  but  a 
snare,  while  they,  without  my  aid,  have  sought  and  found  the 
pearl  of  great  price.  Yes,  Mabel,  I  have  been  strangely  blind 
to  the  welfare  of  my  family ;  but  God  has  done  for  me  and 
mine  more  and  better  than  I  could  ask  or  think." 

"  We  are  very  happy,  father,"  said  Mabel,  "  far  more  so  than 
when  the  world  envied  our  good  fortune." 

"  I  see  it,  my  child  ;  I  understand  it  now,"  said  the  old  man, 
with  a  serene  smile.  "  The  Lord  has  dealt  bountifully  with  me ; 
He  has  given  me  the  true  riches,  and  made  my  children  a 
crown  of  glory  to  my  aged  head.  Henceforth  my  prayer  shall 
be.  '  Show  me  thy  ways,  O  Lord,  teach  me  thy  paths !' " 


CHAPTER    XXXVIII. 

God  calls  our  loved  ones,  but  we  lose  not  wholly 

What  He  hath  given ; 
They  live  on  earth,  in  thought  and  deed,  as  truly 

As  in  His  Heaven. 

J.  G.  WHITTIER. 

As  soon  as  Harry  could  be  released  from  the  cares  attend- 
ing the  harvesting  of  his  crops,  he  came  again  to  his  father's, 
partly  to  share  his  sister's  joy  in  the  old  gentleman's  restoration 
to  health  and  peace  of  mind,  and  still  more  to  persuade  Mabel, 
if  possible,  to  return  home  with  him.  Both  he  and  Helen  had, 
on  their  former  visit,  observed  her  unusual  paleness,  varied 
only  by  a  feverish  flush  which  seemed  to  denote  an  exhausted 
state  of  the  system  ;  and  they  had  only  awaited  Mr.  Vaughan's 
complete  recovery,  to  insist  upon  her  coming  to  them  for  rec- 
reation and  change  of  scene. 

.Mabel,  who  felt  no  other  symptoms  of  illness  than  an  unusual 
lassitude  and  occasional  headache,  would  have  resisted  Harry's 
pleadings  ;  but  her  father,  realizing  how  severely  her  strength 
had  recently  been  taxed,  warmly  seconded  the  proposition,  and 
even  intimated  the  probability  that,  if  they  found  themselves 
equal  to  the  jaunt,  he  and  Sabiah  would  join  -her  at  the  farm, 
in  the  course  of  a  few  weeks. 

It  was  pleasant  to  see  the  joyousness  which  mantled  Harry's 
face  at  this  voluntary  suggestion  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Vaughan. 
"  Come  up  early  next  month,"  exclaimed  he  (it  was  now  Octo- 
ber), "and  stay  with  us  until  after  Thanksgiving  !  All  of  you, 
I  mean,"  added  he,  glancing  at  Sabiah,  and  from  her  to  the 
boys;  "that  is  a  day  which  allows  of  no  exceptions;  and  Helen 
and  I  shall  be  rejoiced  to  make  it  an  occasion  for  welcoming 
you  all  at  once." 


448  MABEL    VATJG11AN. 

"  We  have  everything  to  be  thankful  for,  my  son,"  said  Mr. 
Vaughan,  surveying  the  little  group  collected  around  him,  with 
a  pride  far  deeper  than  that  of  former  days;  "we  will  meet 
together  as  you  propose,  and  praise  God  in  our  hearts  for  his 
wonderful  goodness  to  us." 

It  being  thus  arranged  that  the  rest  of  the  household  were 
to  follow  in  a  few  weeks,  Harry  hurried  Mabel  with  her  prep- 
arations, and  the  next  day  she  accompanied  him  to  the  abode 
of  plenty  and  contentment,  where  his  happy  young  wife  was 
impatiently  awaiting  their  arrival. 

"  Now  remember,  Mabel,"  said  Helen,  when  the  former  was 
at  length  installed  in  the  room  which  Harry  in  building  the 
house  had  denominated  Mabel's,  "you  are  to  do  nothing  while 
you  are  here,  but  ride,  and  walk,  and  talk,  and  waste  time,  if 
you  choose  to  term  it  so,  in  every  possible  way.  You  have 
had  more  than  your  share  of  cares  and  duties  for  the  last  five 
years,  and  lately  have  been  quite  worn  out  with  them ;  so  now 
you  are  to  consider  that  no  one  has  the  slightest  claim  upon 
you.  You  are  to  keep  your  hands  folded  in  this  fashion  (and 
she  playfully  placed  them  in  a  most  indolent  attitude),  and  are 
to  make  it  the  chief  business  of  your  life  to  be  idle." 

Mabel  declared  with  a  languid  air,  which  was  more  felt  than 
feigned,  that  she  should  have  no  difficulty  in  obeying  these 
rules,  for  if  the  weather  continued  as  at  present,  she  could 
spend  whole  days  satisfactorily  in  gazing  out  of  the  window. 

This  unusual  lassitude,  and  low,  feverish  tendency,  which 
had  been  observed  in  her  before  she  left  home,  became  more 
marked,  now  that  she  was  freed  from  all  necessity  for  exertion; 
and  Harry,  no  less  than  Helen,  sought  to  dissipate  the  effects 
of  too  much  anxiety  and  confinement,  by  insisting  that  she 
should  spare  herself  all  fatigue,  and  keep  as  much  as  possible 
in  the  open  air.  Thus,  eveiy  day,  upon  some  pretext  or  other, 
her  brother  persuaded  her  to  accompany  him  in  his  drives 
about  the  form,  usually  leaving  her  in  some  shaded  spot,  while 
he  went  to  oversee  his  laborers ;  when  she,  partly  occupied 
with  a  book,  and  partly  engaged  in  the  observation  of  nature, 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  449 

enjoyed  the  healthy  recreation,  and  quiet  sense  of  repose,  of 
which  she  stood  greatly  in  need. 

One  morning,  \vhen  they  were  returning  from  one  of  these 
excursions,  they  perceived  a  neat  little  pleasure  carriage  stand- 
ing before  the  door,  which  Harry  recognized  as  belonging  to 
Percival ;  and,  at  the  same  moment,  Mabel  saw  through  the 
window  the  unmistakable  form  of  his  venerable  mother  who, 
at  the  announcement  of  Mabel's  approach,  had  risen  from  her 
seat,  and  with  a  smiling  countenance  was  awaiting  the  arrival 
of  her  young  friend. 

The  old  lady's  figure  was  firm  and  erect  as  ever ;  her  eye 
had  lost  nothing  of  its  brightness  ;  and  her  countenance,  though 
more  strongly  marked  with  the  lines  of  age,  still  wore  its  mild 
and  winning  benignity  of  expression.  Nor  had  time  had 
power  to  diminish  the  tender  interest  which  she  cherished  for 
Mabel,  as  was  evident  from  the  heartiness  with  which  she 
advanced  to  meet  the  eager  and  excited  girl,  and  fold  her  in  a 
warm  embrace,  saying,  "  Ah,  my  dear  child,  I  see  you  then  at 
last.  I  began  to  think  this  was  a  pleasure  which  was  to  be 
forever  denied  me  ! " 

Mabel  could  not  find  words  to  express  the  joy  she  felt  at  the 
unexpected  meeting ;  but  Madam  Percival  who  read  her  coun- 
tenance aright,  and  saw  that  she  was  well  nigh  overpowered  by 
the  train  of  moving  associations  which  it  called  up,  responded  to 
her  broken  ejaculations  of  surprise  and  delight,  by  pressing  her 
once  more  to  her  side,  saying  —  "  These  re-unions  are  blessed 
things  my  dear  !  —  and  here  is  my  patient  Bessie,  too,  waiting 
to  claim  you  as  an  old  friend." 

Mabel,  who  had  not  had  a  thought  for  any  one  but  Madam 
Persival,  now  followed  the  direction  of  the  old  lady's  eyes,  and 
her  face  lighted  up  with  fresh  satisfaction  as  she  beheld  Bayard's 
favorite  niece  and  her  own  devoted  champion,  scarcely  altered  in 
appearance  since  she  had  seen  her  last,  and  with  her  enthusiasm 
for  Mabel  undiminished,  as  was  evident  from  the  beaming  face 
with  which  she  watched  her  movements,  and  now,  as  she  saw 
herself  recognized,  came  forward  vvith  outstretched  hand. 

"And  do  you  know  my  sister?  have  you  made  the  acquaint- 
38* 


450  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

ance  of  Mrs.  Vaughan,"  asked  Mabel,  as  having  exchanged 
cordial  salutations  with  Bessie,  she  glanced  towards  Helen,  who 
was  a  deeply  interested  and  smiling  spectator  of  the  scene. 

"  Yes,  my  dear/'  said  Madam  Percival,  "  I  have  been  im- 
patient for  some  time  past  to  make  Mrs.  Vanghan's  acquaint- 
ance, and  must  acknowledge  that  she  was  the  sole  object  of 
our  visit  to-day  ;  we  had  no  idea  of  the  double  pleasure  that 
was  in  store  for  us." 

Numerous  questions  and  responses  now  succeeded.  Madam 
Percival  had  earnest  inquiries  to  make  concerning  every 
member  of  Mr.  Vaughan's  family,  especially  the  boys,  to  an 
account  of  whose  growth  and  progress  she  was  lending  a  most 
attentive  ear,  while  Helen  and  Bessie  were  busily  chatting 
together,  when  the  entrance  of  Harry,  who  had  been  detained 
by  one  of  his  neighbors,  served  to  give  a  more  general  tone  to 
the  conversation. 

Madam.  Percival  still  kept  Malel  close  beside  her,  however, 
and  at  length  remarked,  with  some  little  anxiety  in  her  tone, — 
44  They  tell  me,  my  dear,  that  you  are  not  well  —  that  you  have 
had  too  much  care  of  late  ;  —  so,  though  I  should  not  judge  it 
from  your  face  (Mabel's  face  was  a  little  flushed  by  the  excite- 
ment of  the  interview),  I  wish  to  make  it  a  plea  for  begging 
you  away  from  Mrs.  Vaughan  for  a  few  days  ;  that  is  if  you 
will  trust  yourself  to  an  old  friend's  care,  as  readily  as  you  once 
did  when  she  was  a  stranger.  Come,"  added  she,  laying  her 
hand  earnestly  on  Mabel's  shoulder,  by  way  of  enforcing  the 
request  —  "  will  you  indulge  me  so  far  as  to  go  home  with  us 
to-day  ?  —  we  wrill  restore  you  on  Sunday  when  we  meet  your 
brother  at  church." 

Mabel  thanked  her  most  warmly,  professed  unbounded  con- 
fidence in  that  kindness  and  care  of  which  she  had  formerly 
experienced  the  benefit,  but  at  the  same  time  hesitated,  and 
gave  a  somewhat  evasive  reply  to  the  invitation,  saying  that 
slie  considered  herself  under  Helen's  orders,  and  doubted  her 
out, 

u  Oh.  j>len*e  do  as  grandmamma  proposes."  exclaimed  Bessie, 
while  Madam  Percival  turned  to  Helen  to  urge  her  claims; 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  451 

"  we  shall  be  so  delighted  to  have  you  with  us  !  uncle  Bayard 
is  absent  attending  court  all  the  time  and  we  miss  him  so 
much ! " 

Perhaps  Bessie,  who  still  cherished  a  painful  recollection  of 
her  uncle's  severe  and  unjust  criticism  of  Mabel,  might  have 
suspected  that  he  was  an  object  of  her  avoidance  and  dislike,  and 
so  artfully  added  this  last  clause  by  way  of  assuring  her  that 
she  would  not  be  subjected  to  his  society  ;  if  so,  her  suspicions 
were  probably  confirmed  by  the  fact  that  when  Madam  Per- 
cival  triumphantly  announced  Helen's  consent  to  grant  the  re- 
quired leave  of  absence,  Mabel  no  longer  manifested  any  want 
of  alacrity  in  accepting  the  invitation,  and  expressed  without 
reserve  the  pleasure  she  should  have  in  accompanying  them. 

"  But,  there  is  a  condition ! "  exclaimed  Harry.  "  My  dear 
Madam  —  you  will  not  overlook  the  proviso  in  the  case.  I  have 
already  had  your  horses  led  to  the  stable,  and  Mrs.  Vaughan 
depends  upon  your  company  to  dinner."  v 

"  I  intended  to  return  immediately,"  said  Madam  Percival, 
*•  and  left  word  to  that  effect  at  home ;  but  as  Mrs.  Vaughan 
assures  me  that  an  early  dinner  is  no  inconvenience  in  her 
household,  and  my  young  friend  here  may  need  a  little  time  to 
prepare  for  a  three  days  absence,  I  think,  Bessie,  we  will  aston- 
ish Mrs.  Patten  by  playing  truant  to-day." 

And  the  venerable  lady,  who  knew  how  to  accommodate  her- 
self with  ready  grace  to  all  circumstances  in  life,  allowed  Mabel 
to  assist  in  the  removal  of  her  bonnet  and  shawl,  and  during 
the  space  of  a  couple  of  hours,  which  was  the  limit  of  her  visit, 
entered  with  cordial  zeal  into  the  interests  of  the  youthful  group 
by  whom  she  was  surrounded,  and  by  the  charm  of  her  man- 
ners and  conversation  imparted  both  ease  and  spirit  to  the  social 
occasion,  without  once  derogating  in  the  least  from  the  dignity 
which  became  her  years. 

As  dinner  was  served  with  great  punctuality,  and  Madam 
Percival  was  anxious  to  reach  home  before  sundown,  no  further 
delay  was  suffered  to  interfere  with  her  departure,  and  at  an 
early  hour  in  the  afternoon  the  party  set  olf;  Mabel  and  the  old 
lady  on  the  back  seat  of  the  light  pleasure  carriage,  and  Br-sit; 


452  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

stationed  in  front,  beside  a  serious  looking  youth  who  officiated 
as  coachman  to  the  establishment. 

It  was  one  of  those  lovely  days  belonging  to  the  somewhat 
disputed  period  of  the  Indian  summer,  which,  whether  it  occurs 
earlier  or  later,  is  maiked  by  characteristics  peculiar  to  the 
American  Autumn.  The  atmosphere  was  suffused  with  that 
peculiar  haziness  which,  without  obscuring  the  sun,  subdues 
and  mellows  its  rays,  and  imparts  a  singular  brilliancy  to  the 
rich  and  variegated  foliage.  The  sky,  unspotted  by  a  cloud, 
was  of  the  clearest  and  brightest  blue,  while  the  outline  of  the 
distant  horizon  was  rendered  shadowy  and  indistinct  by  the 
light  curtain  of  mist  which  enveloped  all  nature;  and  as  the  eye 
at  intervals  roamed  across  the  boundless  waves  of  the  rolling 
prairie,  the  great  hay  ricks  discerned  through  the  distance  and 
fog  might  almost  be  mistaken  for  islands  in  mid  ocean  or  ships 
with  outspread  sails.  For  the  last  half  of  the  way,  the  road 
leading  to  Lake  Farm  stretched  through  Percival's  own  land, 
now  winding  like  a  thread  amid  corn  and  wheat  fields  of  nearly 
a  mile  in  extent,  where  the  golden  grain  was  peeping  from  the 
husk  and  inviting  the  sickle  of  the  husbandman,  and  now  lead- 
ing the  traveller  beneath  the  refreshing  shade  of  grand  primeval 
forests,  which  an  English  nobleman  might  covet.  Sometimes 
the  sound  of  the  horses'  feet  would  startle  a  squirrel  or  a  rabbit 
and  send  it  darting  across  their  path ;  or  a  partridge  would  rise 
with  a  whirring  sound  from  the  tall  waving  grain;  or,  as  the 
travellers  entered  the  cool  thicket,  birds  of  various  note  would 
greet  them  with  a  concert  of  song. 

Nor  was  this  harmony  of  sight  and  sound  marred  by  any 
sense  of  effort  or  constraint  on  the  part  of  Mabel  and  her  com- 
panions, who  discoursed  with  unaffected  ease,  or  maintained,  at 
pleasure,  that  silence  which  is  sometimes  so  satisfactory  among 
those  wrho  are  confident  of  each  other's  sympathetic  enjoyment. 
As  they  drew  within  half  a  mile  of  their  destination,  the  road 
led  through  a  little  grove  of  maples  and  oaks,  gorgeous  with 
brilliantly-dyed  leaves,  a  portion  of  which  had  already  fallen 
and  bestrewed  the  ground;  and,  for  the  rest  of  the  distune*-, 
Mabel  r/as  conscious  that  they  were  gradually  ascending  to  a 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  453 

higher  point  of  land.  She  was  not  prepared,  however,  for  the 
scene  which  awaited  her,  when  at  length,  emerging  from  the 
wood,  she  saw  the  house  directly  before  her,  and  took  in  at  a 
glance  the  expansive  view  which  the  little  eminence  com- 
manded. The  simple  but  tasteful  structure  was  built  of  the 
pale  yellow  stone  peculiar  to  the  region,  forming  a  soft  and 
beautiful  contrast  to  the  heavy  verdure  of  a  few  old  pines  and 
hemlocks  which  stood  in  its  immediate  vicinity.  It  was  long 
and  low,  being  only  a  story  and  a  half  in  height,  but  covering  a 
wide  extent  of  ground,  having  wings  on  either  side,  and  includ- 
ing all  the  principal  rooms  on  the  lower  floor;  while  across  the 
front  ran  a  light  verandah,  festooned  with  the  graceful  Ameri- 
can woodbine,  now  crimson  with  the  tints  of  autumn.  As  far 
as  the  eye  could  reach  in  every  direction,  save  one,  it  was  met 
by  an  open  expanse  of  prairie,  grain  land,  and  forest,  with  here 
and  there  a  little  collection  of  farm-houses  and  a  village  church, 
but  fair  and  extensive  as  was  this  view  of  the  rich  and  open 
country,  the  involuntary  exclamation  of  delight  which  burst 
from  Mabel's  lips,  as  she  looked  forth  upon  the  prospect,  was 
chiefly  due  to  the  emotion  of  joyful  surprise  with  which  she 
beheld,  stretching  far  out  to  the  eastern  horizon,  dancing  and 
sparkling  in  the  sunlight,  the  clear,  blue  waters  of  Lake  Michi- 
gan. 

"It  is  beautiful!"  said  Madam  Percival,  in  response  to 
Mabel's  half-expressed  ecstasy  of  pleasure;  while  Bessie  turned 
her  back  upon  the  prospect  to  read  its  reflection  in  Mabel's 
eyes.  "  Familiar  as  I  am  with  the  scene/'  continued  the  old 
lady,  "  I  never  drive  up  this  slope  without  a  fresh  sense  of  the 
greatness  and  beauty  of  that  vast  inland-ocean,  in  which  the 
giant  nature  of  the  West  mirrors  its  face ;  and  I  am  always 
ready  to  congratulate  my  son  anew  on  the  patience  with  which 
he  occupied  a  most  primitive  dwelling,  until  he  had  acquired 
the  means  to  build  a  house  to  his  own  taste,  and  on  the  spot  of 
his  choice.  It  looks  uncommonly  pleasant  this  afternoon. 
Home  is  home,  after  a  twenty  miles  trip,  especially  when  Mrs. 
Patten  stands  at  the  door  to  give  one  welcome." 

The  faithful  serving-woman  was  already  on  the  verandah  to 


454  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

meet  her  mistress,  whose  unusual  excursion  and  lengthened 
absence  had  occasioned  her  some  anxiety.  "  You  will  not 
think  I  have  been  gone  too  long,  Patten,"  said  Madam  Perci- 
val,  "  when  you  see  whom  I  have  brought  back  with  me ; " 
and,  as  Mabel  leaned  forward,  bowed,  and  was  recognized,  the 
good  woman  confirmed  her  mistress'  remark,  by  holding  up 
both  hands  and  exclaiming,  "  Bless  my  eyes'!  it's  Miss  Vaugh- 
an,  for  all  the  world ;  and  the  nicest  young  lady  that  ever  I 
see, — asking  your  pardon,  Miss  Bessie,"  she  added  in  a  low 
voice,  "  for  you  never  was  so  tried,  and  there 's  no  knowing 
what  folks  is  till  they're  tried.  And,  how's  them  children, 
Miss  ?  "  she  continued,  when  Mabel  had  alighted,  and  cordially 
shaken  her  by  the  hand.  "Almost  men  now,  I  dare  say?" 

"  Yes,  almost,  Mrs.  Patten ;  and  I  was  afraid  I  had  got  be- 
yond your  knowledge  too." 

"You?  dear  me,  no, — you  look  just  as  much  like  a  pictur 
as  ever,  only  a  little  pale  like ;  but  I  dare  say  you  're  tired,  and 
my  mistress  too,  so  do  walk  in  —  walk  in  and  get  rested." 
And  the  good  soul  led  the  way  to  the  sitting-room,  where  a  fire 
was  already  kindled,  in  anticipation  of  a  cool  evening.  And  for 
one  half  hour  she  was  unwearied  in  her  efforts  to  render  them 
all,  as  she  said,  "  right  comfortable." 

And  right  comfortable  it  seemed  to  Mabel,  as  the  twilight 
hours  came  on  and  found  them  grouped  round  the  wide  hearth  ; 
Madam  Percival,  as  she  sat  upright  in  her  easy-chair,  relating 
to  the  girls  on  either  side  of  her  those  most  delightful  of  all 
narratives,  the  experiences  of  bygone  days ;  while  the  flicker- 
ing flames  cast  a  subdued,  but  cheerful  light  round  the  room, 
and  were  reflected  in  the  polished  furniture  and  the  old  family 
tea-urn  under  the  antiquated  sideboard. 

The  rough,  new,  and  undeveloped  character  of  almost  every 
thing  pertaining  to  Western  life  furnishing  a  wide  field  for  the 
energy  and  activity  both  of  body  and  mind,  may  nerve  and 
strengthen  the  powers  for  the  performance  of  many  a  trying 
task  ;  but  to  one  wearied  from  the  overtasking  of  these  powers, 
and  yearning  for  the  rest  which  even  the  youthful  spirit  occa- 
sionally craves,  there  is  something  unspeakably  refreshing  in 


MABEL    VAUCHAN.  455 

such  ancient,  and  time-honored  tokens  as  everywhere  pervaded 
the  establishment  over  which  Madam  Percival  presided  with  that 
venerable  dignity  characteristic  of  the  past.  To  Mabel  espe- 
cially, who  had  been  taxed  with  a  responsibility  disproportioned 
to  her  years,  and  had  well  nigh  sunk  beneath  the  burden  of 
recent  labors,  there  was  sweet  and  welcome  repose  in  being 
thus  sheltered  under  the  wing  of  her  aged  friend's  tender  and 
protecting  care  ;  and  even  the  heavily-carved  chairs  and  tables, 
the  Turkey  carpet,  the  antique  fire-set,  and  the  quaint,  old 
family  plate,  which  were  here  preserved  as  ancestral  heirlooms, 
all  bore  their  part  in  giving  to  the  place  the  secluded  and 
familiar  air  of  a  cherished  home.  Thus,  the  first  evening  of 
her  visit  proved  one  of  unmixed  satisfaction,  and  the  night  that 
followed,  brought  with  it  sweet  and  dreamless  rest. 

"  Do  you  feel  equal  to  a  short  walk,  my  dear  ? "  said  Madam 
Percival,  as  she  joined  her  young  friends  on  the  verandah  the 
next  morning,  and  addressed  herself  to  Mabel,  who,  under 
Bessie's  instruction,  was  becoming  acquainted  with  every 
feature  in  the  wide  landscape. 

Mabel  promptly  replied  in  the  affirmative. 

"  Then,"  said  Madam  Percival,  "  I  should  be  happy  to  have 
you  both  go  with  me  to  the  house  of  my  son's  agent.  It  is 
only  about  half  a  mile  distant ;  you  can  see  the  smoke  from  the 
chimney  yonder ;  the  path  leads  directly  through  the  maple 
grove,  which  will  furnish  us  with  a  gay  carpet  and  awning, 
and  the  good  man's  wife  will  give  us  all  a  hearty  welcome,  I 
am  sure." 

Bessie,  no  less  than  Mabel,  expressed  her  pleasure  at  the 
proposition,  and,  while  the  latter  went  to  her  room  to  prepare 
for  the  walk,  the  former  ran  for  her  own  and  her  grand- 
mother's bonnets. 

"  Now,  my  dear,"  said  Madam  Percival,  as  she  took  Mabel's 
offered  arm,  bearing  no  weight  upon  it,  however,  for  she  was 
at  present  the  stronger  of  the  two,  —  "I  must  tell  you  some- 
thing of  the  individual  whom  we  hope  to  see  this  morning." 
She  then  proceeded  with  an  interesting  narative  of  their  trusty 
farm-agent's  experiences,  dated  from  the  young  man's  arrival 


456  MABEL    VAUGHAX. 

in  the  West,  and  continued  up  to  the  present  period.  He  had 
brought  a  small  sum  of  money  with  him,  but  his  first  invest- 
ment had  been  disastrous,  the  situation  of  his  land  proving 
unhealthy,  and  his  crops  suffering  from  blight ;  while,  to  crown 
his  misfortunes,  the  title  to  his  estate  became  a  matter  of  dis- 
pute, and  he  suddenly  found  himself  involved  in  legal  difficul. 
ties.  It  was  at  this  crisis,  that  he  was  first  brought  to  the 
notice  of  Mr.  Percival,  to  whom  he  applied  for  professional 
assistance;  and  Bayard's  favorable  impressions  of  the  man 
being  confirmed  by  a  slight  knowledge  which  his  mother  had 
previously  gained  of  his  character  and  worth,  a  proposition 
was  made  and  accepted,  which  proved  equally  advantageous  to 
both  parties  ;  the  young  lawyer,  who  was  now  oppressed  with 
business,  gaining  a  valuable  and  reliable  agent,  and  the  disap- 
pointed, but  manly  and  energetic  farmer,  obtaining  a  sure  and 
gradually  increasing  competence." 

"  And  how  ended  the  law-suit  ?  "  asked  Mabel. 

"  It  resulted  in  favor  of  my  son's  client,"  replied  Madam 
Percival,  "  and  he  still  holds  possession  of  his  estate,  which, 
in  spite  of  its  disadvantages,  has  nearly  doubled  in  value." 

"  And  this  is  the  farm-house ! "  said  Mabel,  as  they  now 
came  in  sight  of  a  comfortable  two  story  dwelling,  surrounded 
by  spacious  and  substantial  barns  and  granaries.  "  How  neat 
and  thrifty  everything  looks ! " 

"  That  is  due  in  no  small  degree  to  our  farmer's  wife,"  said 
Madam  Percival ;  "  she  is  one  of  the  most  good-humored, 
capable,  and  industrious  women  in  the  neighborhood,  and  very 
attractive  too,  as  you  will  think  when  you  see  her  pretty,  round 
face.  That  row  of  glittering  pans  and  pails  hanging  outside 
the  house,  will  give  you  an  idea  of  the  extent  of  her  dairy, 
and  it  was  some  of  her  sweet  butter  which  you  praised  at 
breakfast.  We  may  .go  in  without  knocking,"  she  continued, 
as  they  approached,  — "  our  good  housewife  is  always  ready 
for  company." 

Thus  invited,  Mabel  entered  at  the  door  which  stood  hos- 
pitably open,  and  passed  on  to  a  sitting-room  on  the  right. 
It  was  furnished  in  the  simple  style  of  a  farmer's  family ;  was 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  457 

in  perfect  order,  and  unoccupied ;  there  seemed  nothing  to 
startle  and  astonish  a  visitor,  and  yet  Mabel  stopped  short, 
and  stood  gazing  at  the  opposite  window,  like  one  lo  in  a 
dream.  What  was  there  in  a  little  rush-bottomed  arm-chair, 
a  wooden  foot-stool,  an  old  leather-covered  bible,  and  an  open 
daguerreotype  case,  which  could  have  power  to  transfix  her  in 
silent  wonder,  and  send  the  tears  coursing  down  her  cheek  ?  — 
what  but  the  power  of  association,  —  that  deep,  magnetic 
thrill  with  which  we  gaze  on  the  simplest  memorials  of  one 
who  has  passed  from  earth,  but  still  lives  enshrined  amid  love's 
sacred  memories  ?  what  but  the  holy  awe  which  fills  the  soul 
as  imagination  calls  up  in  vivid  array,  the  form,  the  counte- 
nance, the  voice,  of  one  whose  mortal  has  put  on  immortality? 

Yes,  there  was  no  mistaking  these  mute  witnesses,  which 
had  seemed  a  part  of  Rosy's  little  life ;  and  for  an  instant 
Mabel  stood  transfixed  opposite  the  vacant  arm-chair,  tearful, 
bewildered,  and  unconscious  of  the  surpris«*she  herself  excited 
in  Madam  Percival  and  Bessie  by  her  singular  demeanor. 
The  next  moment,  a  door  opened  from  the  kitchen,  and  an 
elderly  woman,  with  an  infant  in  her  arms,  entered,  and  was 
advancing  with  a  respectful  air  to  speak  to  Madam  Percival, 
but,  seeing  Mabel,  she  stopped  short,  uttered  an  exclamation 
of  joy,  and  forgetting  her  customary  awe  of  her  more  stately 
visitor,  —  forgetting  everything  but  the  engrossing  interest  of 
the  moment,  she  placed  the  child,  without  apology,  in  Bessie's 
arms,  and  exclaiming  in  a  broken  voice,  "  Dear  Miss  Mabel ! 
my  own  darling  child's  best  friend ! "  she  ran  towards  the  lat- 
ter, threw  her  arms  impulsively  around  her,  then  sat  down  in 
Rosy's  chair,  covered  her  face  with  her  hands,  and  wept. 

Mabel,  who  at  the  sound  of  her  voice  had  recognized  the 
mother  of  Rose,  and  had  cordially  returned  her  greeting,  now 
turned  to  Madam  Percival  to  ask  an  explanation  from  one 
who,  on  her  part,  wore  a  countenance  full  of  astonishment  and 
inquiry,  when  Lydia,  who  had  been  summoned  by  a  loud  cry 
from  the  baby,  made  her  appearance  on  the  scene,  smoothing 
down  her  apron,  and  buttoning  the  sleeves  which  had  been 
turned  up  to  her  elbows.  If  Madam  Percival  and  Bessie 

39 


458  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

were  already  astonished  spectators,  it  may  well  be  believed 
that  their  amazement  now  reached  its  height,  as  Lydia,  the 
same  excitable  creature  as  ever,  gave  a  sudden  start,  threw 
herself  on  her  knees  beside  Mabel,  caught  her  hand,  kissed  it 
repeatedly,  laughed,  cried,  then  laughed  again,  and,  snatching 
her  infant  from  Bessie,  placed  it  in  Mabel's  arms,  saying, 
"See  my  baby!  isn't  she  a  beauty?"  and  finally  burst  into 
tears  once  more,  as  she  whispered,  "  Her  name  is  Rose." 

"  Excuse  us,  Ma'am !  excuse  us,  Miss  Bessie ! "  said  she, 
as,  with  an  attempt  to  recover  her  self-possession,  she  came 
forward  to  pay  her  respects  to  Madam  Percival  and  her  grand- 
daughter, "  but  Miss  Vaughan  has  been  such  an  angel  of  good- 
ness to  us,  and  our  dear  little  Rose  loved  her  so  much ! " 

The  excuse  was  not  needed,  however,  as  was  evident  from 
the  cordial  sympathy  which  shone  in  Madam  Percival's  face, 
as  she  gleaned  from  the  mutual  expressions  of  interest  which 
were  exchanged  Between  Mabel  and  these  humble  friends,  the 
nature  of  the  tie  which  bound  them  so  strongly  to  one  another ; 
and  the  good-hearted  Bessie  had  only  waited  to  be  relieved 
from  the  care  of  the  child,  to  turn  her  face  towards  the  win- 
dow and  wipe  away  a  tear. 

"•"  I  have  been  telling  you,  my  dear,  as  we  carae  through  the 
wood,"  said  Madam  Percival  to  Mabel,  who  was  caressing  the 
infant,  "  the  experience  of  a  mutual  friend  of  ours,  but  I  little 
suspected  that  I  was  omitting  the  most  interesting  feature  of 
the  tale ;  here  he  is,  however,  to  speak  for  himself.  Good 
morning,  Mr.  Dowst !  You  are  the  only  person  wanting  to 
make  this  scene  complete." 

The  astonishment  of  Mabel,  the  blushing  bashfulness  of 
Lydia,  the  contented  smile  of  her  mother,  the  crowing  ap- 
plause on  the  part  of  the  baby,  and  the  sympathetic  satisfaction 
of  Madam  Percival  and  Bessie,  indeed  reached  their  climax, 
as  the  sturdy  form  of  the  honest  Owen  now  appeared  in  the 
door-way,  his  eye  bright  with  pleasure,  and  his  face  glowing 
with  earnestness.  "  Miss  Vaughan  ! "  exclaimed  he,  taking  off 
his  hat,  and  coming  forward  with  both  his  strong,  hard  hands 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  459 

extended,  "  this  is  a  day  to  be  thankful  for,  and  a  sight  to 
make  a  humble  man  proud." 

"  You  speak  the  truth,  Mr.  Dowst,"  said  Mabel.  "  Such  a 
home,  and  wife,  and  child,  and  good  name,  as  you  can  call 
yours,  are  indeed  something  to  be  proud  of;  and  I  am  proud, 
I  assure  you,  to  claim  you  as  an  old  friend." 

"  Ah,  miss,"  said  Owen,  with  his  own  genial  smile,  "  I  Ve 
many  blessings  as  you  say,  but  it 's  the  crowning  one  of  all 
that  brings  you  under  our  roof.  Where  is  my  little  woman  ?  " 
continued  he,  searching  round  the  room  with  his  eyes  for 
Lyclia,  who  stood  behind  him,  with  a  modest,  blushing  face. 
"  She 's  been  looking  forward  to  this  day  ever  since  she  first 
set  foot  on  a  prairie,  though  one  would  think  to  see  her  now, 
that  she  was  ashamed  of  being  an  honest  man's  wife." 

"  She  is  ashamed  of  having  kept  her  secret  from  me  so  long," 
said  Mabel.  "  What  will  the  boys  say  when  they  learn  that 
Lydia  is  Mrs.  Owen  Dowst  ?  " 

"Well,  'twas  all  along  of  her  love  for  you,  Miss  Mabel," 
paid  Owen,  apologetically.  "  Owen,  says  she,  do  n't  you  hint 
to  Mr.  Harry  Vaughan,  or  any  of  'em,  who  you  Ve  got  for  a 
wife,  — just  wait  till  Miss  Mabel  comes  into  these  parts,  and 
sees  for  herself." 

"A  true  woman,"  interposed  Madam  Percival.  "I  can 
understand  it,  Mrs.  Dowst,  for,  old  as  I  am,  I  have  been  count- 
ing ever  since  Miss  Vaughan  arrived  on  her  surprise  at  finding 
your  husband  settled  among  us,  little  suspecting  that  there  was 
a  still  greater  pleasure  in  store  for  her." 

"  And  how  is  Jack  ?  "  asked  Mabel,  when,  composure  being 
at  length  restored,  she  found  herself  seated  next  to  Mrs.  Hope, 
who  had  by  this  time  claimed  her  sacred  prerogative,  —  the 
charge  of  Rosy's  namesake. 

"  Bless  your  heart,  dear,  for  remembering  my  boy  ! "  said 
the  mother,  with  animation.  "Lyddy  is  a  good  child,  and 
never  shows  any  of  her  little  tempers  now-a-days,  and  Owen 
has  been  a  faithful  friend  to  me  and  mine,  first  for  Ilosy's  sake, 
and  then  for  the  love  that  grew  out  of  that ;  but  I  sometimes 
think  it 's  Jack,  after  all,  that 's  to  be  the  joy  of  my  old  age. 


460  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

There  never  was  a  mother  had  a  better  son,  Miss  Mabel. 
He  's  foreman  of  some  works  not  far  from  here,  where  they 
manufacture  farming  machines  ;  he  always  was  an  ingenious 
fellow,  and  what  with  Rosy  helping  him  with  his  plans  and 
figures,  and  so  on,  he  got  an  extra  good  idea  of  mechanics, 
and  now  it  stands  him  in  good  stead.  He  makes  a  handsome 
living,  —  Jack  does,  —  and  is  frugal,  too,  though  he  's  got  an 
open  hand  and  heart." 

"  Oh,  I  am  very  glad !  "  said  Mabel.  "  I  always  liked  Jack  ; 
I  thought  he  would  live  to  be  a  comfort  to  you,  Mrs.  Hope." 

"  How  could  he  help  it  ?  "  asked  the  widow  in  a  low,  earnest 
voice.  "  As  long  as  Rosy  lived,  did  n't  he  have  his  sister  to 
keep  him  in  the  right  way?  and  ever  since  she  died,  hasn't  he 
had  an  angel  ?  Jack  was  a  silent  boy,  always  ;  and  he  's  a 
silent  sort  of  a  man.  He  do  n't  tell  his  mind  as  some  folks 
do,  but  if  you  could  see  him  when  he  sits  down  in  her  chair, 
or  reads  in  her  bible,  or  calls  this  baby  by  her  name,  you  'd 
think  as  I  do,  that  though  it's  a  voice  for  the  heart  only,  Rosy, 
like  the  holy  man  in  Scripture,  *  being  dead,  yet  speaketh.' " 

"  She  does  indeed  speak  to  us  all,"  said  Mabel.  "  Though 
her  life  was  short  and  full  of  suffering,  it  is  a  beautiful  thought 
how  many  have  been  made  better  for  the  dear  child's  having 
lived,  and  loved,  and  died.  I,  as  well  as  Jack,  have  often  felt, 
Mrs.  Hope,  that  the  memory  of  Rose's  virtues  wras  like  a  con- 
tinual message  of  good  cheer  from  a  glorified  saint." 

"  She  was  a  precious  lamb  ! "  said  the  mother,  sobbing.  "  The 
Lord  has  her  in  His  holy  keeping.  I  only  hope  we  '11  all  find 
our  way  one  of  these  days  into  that  same  fold." 

"  Such  heartfelt  gratitude  and  affection  as  have  been  mani- 
fested towards  you  to-day,  my  clear,"  said  Madam  Percival  to 
Mabel,  when  they  were  once  more  returning  homeward  through 
the  grove,  "  are  a  sweet  compensation  for  the  hours  stolen  from 
gayer  pleasures  and  devoted  to  works  of  charity  and  love." 

"  The  sincere  regard  of  these  goad  friends  is  of  priceless 
value  to  me,"  answered  Mabel,  "  but  it  is  a  voluntary  offering, 
not  a  compensation.  The  hours  were  few,  indeed,  which,  dur- 
ing my  New  York  life,  were  devoted  to  anything  but  selfish 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  461 

pleasures.  This  family  is  the  only  one  to  whom  I  rendered  the 
slightest  service,  and  in  this  instance  I  was  always  the  princi- 
pal gainer.  I  can  feel  nothing  but  mortification,  when  I  reflect 
how  wholly  I  neglected  my  opportunities  of  usefulness." 

"  You  do  yourself  an  injustice,"  said  Madam  Percival.  "  I 
have  not  yet  to  learn  the  particulars  of  your  kindness  to  Mrs. 
Hope  and  her  sick  child.  They  have  been  related  to  me  with 
all  a  mother's  enthusiasm,  though  I  never  until  now  knew  the 
name  of  Rosy's  benefactor.  I  was  peculiarly  interested  in  the 
account,  for  I,  too,  had  some  tender  recollections  of  Rose,  hav- 
ing seen  her  frequently,  when  many  years  ago  she  was  under 
medical  treatment  at  a  public  institution  in  Kew  York ;  and  I 
could  in  some  degree  estimate  the  love  she  cherished  for  you, 
my  dear,  when  I  learned  that  she  bequeathed  you,  as  a  dying 
legacy,  a  little  engraving,  originally  presented  to  her  by  my 
son,  and  always  prized  (so  her  mother  tells  me)  as  zealously 
as  when  her  intense  admiration  for  it  first  appealed  to  Bayard's 
generosity.  Have  you  the  picture  yet  ?  " 

"  I  have,"  said  Mabel.  "  It  hangs  in  our  parlor  at  home  ;  " 
ind  as  she  spoke  she  called  to  mind  the  interest,  even  amount- 
ing to  curiosity,  with  which  Percival,  on  his  recent  visit,  had 
appeared  to  examine  both  engraving  and  frame,  no  doubt  iden- 
tifying them  as  having  once  been  his  property. 

"  Its  subject  is  one,"  said  Madam  Percival,  "  which  appealed 
strongly  to  the  child's  heart,  and  which  she  fully  exemplified 
in  her  life.  She  has  long  since  gained  the  rest  of  the  Eternal 
City ;  but  her  works  yet  follow  her,  and  the  road  which  her 
feet  have  trod  is  fragrant  with  her  virtues,  encouraging  the 
succession  of  pilgrims  who  follow  in  her  pathway,  to  exclaim, 
with  consecrated  purpose  and  will,  '  In  the  name  of  our  God, 
will  we  set  up  our  banners  ' ' 

39* 


CHAPTER    XXXIX 

Their  liome  is  home ;  (heir  chosen  lot 

A  private  place  uml  private  name, 
But,  if  the  world's  want  calls,  they  '11  not 

Refuse  the  indignities  of  fame. 

THE  ANGEL  IN  THE  HOUSE. 

THE  Sabbath  which  was  to  terminate  Mabel's  visit  at  Lake 
Farm  dawned  clear  and  beautiful.  Since  the  day  succeeding 
her  arrival  the  weather  had  been  cold  and  cloudy,  and  the 
pleasures  of  the  household  had  been  mostly  of  an  indoor  char- 
acter. Once  more,  however,  that  soft,  fragrant  breath  which 
seems  to  linger  lovingly  in  the  recesses  of  nature,  had  asserted 
its  power  over  the  early  frosts ;  and  the  cloudless  sky,  the  deep 
blue  lake,  and  the  gorgeously-tinted  forests  were  radiant  with 
the  last  smile  of  summer.  It  still  wanted  a  few  moments  to 
the  breakfast  hour,  and  Mabel,  with  the  bed-room  window 
thrown  open,  stood  enjoying  the  beauty  of  the  landscape,  and 
refreshing  her  spirit  with  the  meditations  to  which  it  gave  rise, 
when  a  few  soft,  long-drawn  notes  of  music  fell  upon  her  ear, 
so  harmonious  and  so  perfectly  in  unison  with  the  scene  and 
the  hour,  that  they  might  almost  be  mistaken  for  the  sighing 
of  the  breeze  through  the  old  hemlock  in  front  of  her  window. 
Even  when  gradually  swelling  in  sound  and  volume  they  filled 
the  air  with  sacred  melody,  there  was  something  so  soothing, 
so  grand,  and  so  inspiring  in  the  strain,  that  she  scarcely  cared 
to  question  herself  concerning  its  source,  but  stood  enraptured 
and  engrossed,  all  other  senses  absorbed  in  that  of  hearing.  It 
was  eridently  the  music  of  an  organ,  played  with  no  ordinary 
power  and  skill ;  and  Mabel,  who  had  observed  such  an  instru- 
ment in  the  library,  experienced  a  dim  consciousness  that  the 
sound  proceeded  from  its  pipes.  But  although  Bessie  hud 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  463 

assured  her  that  she  could  play  only  simple  airs  upon  it,  and 
the  tribute  of  praise  which  now  rang  through  the  house  was  a 
difficult  and  sublime  composition  of  one  of  the  old  masters,  she 
forgot  the  seeming  inconsistency,  and,  until  the  piece  was 
finished,  and  the  glorious  symphony  died  away  into  silence, 
she  indulged  no  thought  save  the  soaring  aspirations  to  which 
it  could  not  fail  to  give  rise.  As  the  continued  and  almost 
oppressive  stillness  which  succeeded  at  length  convinced  her, 
however,  that  there  was  to  be  no  repetition  of  the  harmony, 
she  started  from  her  attitude  of  fixed  attention,  actuated  by  the 
sudden  thought,  "  Could  Bessie  have  deceived  both  herself  and 
me  in  respect  to  her  powers,  or  is  she  the  subject  of  a  sudden 
inspiration  ?  "  And  hastily  throwing  a  mantle  over  her  head, 
she  stepped  from  her  low  window  upon  the  wide  verandah,  and 
proceeded  around  the  front  of  the  house  in  the  direction  of  the 
library,  mentally  ejaculating,  "  She  will  be  self-convicted,  when 
I  detect  her  with  her  fingers  on  the  keys !  " 

The  library,  which  was  also  the  usual  break  fast-room  of  the 
family,  was  situated  in  one  of  the  wings  at  the  extremity  of 
the  building;  and  it  being  Mabel's  purpose  to  surprise  her 
friend  by  unexpectedly  making  her  appearance  at  the  window, 
she  was  tripping  lightly  round  an  angle  of  the  verandah,  when 
she  suddenly  stopped  short,  and  blushed  with  embarrassment 
as  she  encountered,  face  to  face,  the  true  author  of  the  music, 
the  young  master  of  the  house,  who,  having  in  a  characteristic 
manner  given  notice  of  his  return  home,  had  sallied  forth  upon 
the  piazza  to  enjoy  the  beauty  of  the  morning. 

Their  meeting  upon  the  lonely  prairie  a  few  weeks  before 
was  scarcely  more  unexpected  to  either  party;  but,  as  the 
good  sense  of  Mabel  and  the  active  benevolence  of  Percival 
had  dispelled  the  awkwardness  of  that  occasion,  so,  now,  the 
simple  candor  of  the  one,  and  the  utter  freedom  from  self-con- 
sciousness on  the  part  of  the  other,  quickly  restored  their  mutual 
equanimity,  which  had  for  a  moment  been  disturbed. 

"  I  was  hastening  to  thank  Bessie  for  my  share  of  enjoyment 
in  that  beautiful  symphony,"  said  Mabel,  after  exchanging  a 
cordial  greeting  with  Percival,  who  could  not,  if  he  would,  have 


464  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

disguised  his  pleasure  at  meeting  her.  "  If  I  had  not  believed 
you  to  be  nearly  a  dozen  miles  away,  I  should  have  known, 
without  a  doubt,  to  whom  we  were  indebted  for  the  music." 

"  I  did  not  get  released  from  my  duties  until  a  very  late  hour 
last  evening,"  said  Percival ;  "  but  I  then  felt  an  irresistible 
attraction  towards  home,  which  I  can  not  now  consider  any 
thing  less  than  a  presentiment. 

"Have  you  been  well  since  I  saw  you  last?"  added  he, 
glancing  inquiringly  at  her  face,  which,  the  glow  of  sudden 
surprise  having  subsided,  certainly  presented  a  marked  contrast 
to  the  hue  of  health  which  it  had  worn  on  the  day  of  their 
prairie  excursion. 

u  My  friends  say  not,"  replied  she,  smiling,  "  but  I  scarcely 
own  it  myself,  I  am  so  little  accustomed  to  play  the  part  of  an 
invalid." 

"  I  fear  it  is  too  cold  for  you  on  this  side  of  the  house,"  said 
Bayard,  who  observed  that  the  breeze  had  blown  the  scarf 
from  her  head  and  left  it  unprotected ;  and,  with  a  respectful 
gallantry  most  becoming  to  a  man  of  his  commanding  presence, 
he  offered  his  arm,  to  accompany  her  to  that  part  of  the  veran- 
dah which  was  warmed  by  the  morning  sun.  As  she  had  no 
longer  any  object  in  proceeding  to  the  library,  she  accepted  the 
proposition  and  the  offered  arm,  and,  Madam  Percival  not 
having  left  her  room,  and  there  being  as  yet  no  summons  to 
breakfast,  they  continued  to  walk  slowly  up  and  down  for  a 
few  minutes,  w.hile  Bayard  inquired  with  interest  concerning 
the  various  members  of  Mr.  Vaughan's  family,  and  expressed 
his  sincere  regret  at  the  old  gentleman's  illness,  which  he 
rightly  conjectured  to  be  in  no  slight  degree  connected  with 
the  evident  change  in  Mabel. 

"  Upon  my  word !  "  exclaimed  the  lively  Bessie,  whom  they 
had  already  passed  once  or  twice  without  observing,  as  she 
stood  in  the  doorway,  but  who  now  interrupted  both  their  pro- 
gress and  their  conversation  by  her  raillery,  "•  You  seem  to  be 
a  man  of  parts,  Uncle  Bayard;  you  enter  the  house  like  a 
midnight  robber,  rouse  us  out  of  our  beds  at  daylight  with  an 
extravaganza  furiosa,  and  now,  lo  and  behold !  I  find  you  pre- 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  4    O 

scribing  a  new  regimen  to  our  invalid,  whom  grandmamma 
does  not  allow  to  take  the  air  before  breakfast." 

"Indeed!"  said  Bayard,  appearing  to  notice  the  last  clause 
only  in  Bessie's  threefold  reproof,  "  Then  I  should  have  invited 
you  into  the  library,  where  we  have  a  bright  fire." 

"  By  no  means,"  said  Mabel,  smiling,  but  at  the  same  time 
withdrawing  her  han'd  from  his  arm  and  stepping  inside  the 
doorway.  "  No  one  could  suffer  from  breathing  such  an  atmos- 
phere as  this ;  Bessie  is  a  would-be  tyrant,  that  is  all." 

"  She  is  a  little  scold,"  said  Bayard,  at  the  same  time  sealing 
with  a  kiss  the  lips  which  were  preparing  to  utter  a  further 
torrent  of  abuse.  "  I  never  anticipate  any  more  flattering 
greeting  from  her  than  that  I  have  just  received.  For  whom 
do  you  reserve  all  your  fine  speeches,  Bessie  ?  " 

"  For  people  whom  it  is  no  flattery  to  praise,"  said  she, 
breaking  away  from  him,  and  putting  her  arm  within  that  of 
Mabel,  in  a  defiant  manner,  which  seemed  to  imply  that  they 
two  constituted  a  coalition  against  him  ;  "  Miss  Vaughan  never 
heard  me  say  anything  but  good  of  her." 

The  words  might  have  escaped  Bessie  accidentally ;  but 
Bayard  evidently  felt  them,  for  he  bit  his  lip  and  seemed  slightly 
confused  by  the  reminiscence  which  they  awakened,  while 
Mabel  lifted  her  eyes  for  an  instant  to  his  face,  and  then  turn- 
ing away  made  some  abrupt  remark  upon  the  extent  of  the 
prospect. 

It  was  a  relief  as  well  as  a  satisfaction,  therefore,  to  at  least 
two  of  the  party,  when,  a  moment  after,  a  slow,  measured,  but 
touchingly  tender  voice  was  heard  to  say,  "  Good  morning,  my 
son  ! "  and,  at  the  same  time,  a  soft  and  still  beautifully  formed 
hand  was  laid  upon  the  broad  white  forehead  of  Percival,  who 
recognizing  his  mother's  accent  and  touch,  turned  quickly,  and 
with  a  glad  countenance,  to  receive  her  welcome. 

It  was  a  striking  picture  which  was  thus  presented  by  the 
stately  matron,  and  her  tall,  manly,  Saxon-featured  son,  whose 
manner  towards  her  was  a  beautiful  mingling  of  respect,  confi- 
dence, and  almost  boyish  affection.  Mabel  had  seen  them  both 
in  many  and  varied  relations ;  but  never  had  either  more  fully 


406  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

commanded  her  admiration  and  interest,  than  at  this  moment, 
when  the  young  man  stood  encircling  his  mother's  waist  with 
his  strong  arm,  while  she  looked  fondly  up  into  his  clear  blue 
eye,  in  which  she  seemed  to  read  the  fulfilment  of  all  a  parent's 
hopes. 

"  You  must  have  travelled  late,  Bayard,"  said  she.  "  I  sat 
at  my  bed-room  window  watching  for  you  until  twelve  o'clock, 
which  was  more  than  an  hour  after  the  rest  of  the  family 
retired." 

"  I  did  not  leave  the  city  until  midnight,"  replied  Bayard, 
and  it  was  between  two  and  three  when  I  arrived  here ;  but 
I  am  astonished  at  your  expecting  me  ;  I  sent  you  no  message." 

"  True  ;  but  I  knew  you  could  not  resist  having  a  peep  at 
your  garden  while  this  fine  weather  lasted,  to  say  nothing  of 
the  other  attractions  of  home.  Besides,  as  we  wish,  we  are 
apt  to  believe;  and  I  felt  sure  you  would  be  disappointed  if  you 
wholly  missed  the  pleasure  of  our  young  friend's  visit,"  and  she 
laid  her  hand  expressively  on  Mabel's  shoulder.  "  You  had 
but  a  cheerless  arrival  last  night,"  continued  she,  addressing 
Bayard ;  "  I  hope  you  waked  Mrs.  Patten,  and  were  made 
comfortable." 

"  My  only  endeavor  was  not  to  disturb  any  one,"  said  Bay- 
ard. "  The  long  window  in  the  library  was  unfastened,  and  I 
found  matches  and  candles  in  my  room.  I  wanted  nothing 
more." 

"  Always  thoughtful,  my  son ! "  said  his  mother,  with  a  smile 
of  approval ;  "  come,  shall  we  go  to  breakfast  ?  "  And  taking 
Mabel's  hand  in  hers,  she  accompanied  her  across  the  hall, 
making  amends  for  having  in  the  parent  half-forgotten  the 
hostess,  by  the  affectionate  solicitude  with  which  she  now  ques- 
tioned her  concerning  her  health. 

"  Uncle  Bayard,"  whispered  Bessie,  as  she  followed  with  her 
uncle,  "  I  thought  there  was  a  certain  style  of  beauty  which 
you  only  admired  at  a  safe  distance.  I  am  afraid  you  have  had 
a  chill  this  morning." 

"Hush,  hush,  Bessie,"  said  Bayard;  "I  humbly  crave  a 
truce.  Your  memory  is  as  provoking  as  your  tongue." 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  467 

As  there  is  nothing  which  leaves  such  a  void  in  the  family 
circle  as  the  departure  of  its  head,  so  there  is  no  transformation 
so  effectual  and  complete  as  that  which  is  created  by  his  sudden 
and  unexpected  return.  Especially  is  this  the  case  when  he 
comes  as  Bayard  did,  in  all  that  joyousness  of  spirit  which 
marks  a  true  love  of  home,  and  brings  with  him,  for  its  enter- 
tainment and  benefit,  the  choicest  and  best  of  all  the  influences 
and  experiences  which  have  attended  him  in  his  absence. 
Thus,  every  member  of  the  household  at  Lake  Farm,  felt  a 
conscious  exhilaration  of  spirits  in  the  mere  presence  of  its 
young  master.  Even  the  servants  seemed  inspired  with  fresh 
energy  for  the  performance  of  every  duty  ;  and  the  old  family 
cat,  who  was  exclusive  in  her  preferences,  deliberately  forsook 
her  place  on  the  hearth-rug,  and  ensconced  herself  under  his 
chair.  Add  to  this  the  ready  zeal  with  which  he  took  upon 
himself  every  office,  both  small  and  great,  which  affection  or 
hospitality  demanded,  and  no  one  could  be  insensible  to  the  fact 
that  a  wide  sphere  of  action  abroad  does  not  necessarily  unfit  a 
man  for  the  amenities  of  domestic  life. 

Towards  Mabel,  his  manner  was  at  once  marked  by  sincere 
respect  and  cordial  friendliness;  nor,  although  conscious  that 
Bessie  was  watching  him  with  an  eye  full  of  mischief,  did  he 
fail  in  any  of  those  thoughtful  attentions  which  become  a  gen- 
tleman and  a  host ;  for,  however  he  might  feel  annoyed  by  his 
niece's  raillery,  he  was  not  one  to  be  deterred  by  self-conscious 
shyness  or  awkward  embarrassment  from  that  chivalrous  devo- 
tion to  which  Mabel  was  entitled  as  his  mother's  guest,  inde- 
pendently of  her  personal  claims  as  a  young  and  beautiful 
woman. 

"  This  is  what  my  mother  terms  my  garden,  Miss  Vaughan," 
said  he,  as,  breakfast  being  ended,  he  rose  and  walked  to  the 
window,  where,  with  folded  arms,  he  stood  looking  out  for  a  few 
moments  on  the  almost  interminable  grain-fields  which  lay 
stretched  before  him,  with  all  their  golden  treasures  bursting 
from  the  stalk  or  waving  heavily  in  the  breeze. 

"  A  noble  field  of  labor,"  said  Mabel,  who  sat  where  she  too 
could  command  the  prospect.  "  I  confess  I  am  almost  awed  by 
the  immensity  of  the  work  and  its  promised  rewards." 


468  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

"And  yet,  my  dear,"  said  Madam  Percival,  "  if  you  did  but 
realize  it,  you  have  been  laboring  for  the  last  six  years  in  a  far 
wider  field,  and  a  richer  soil,  where,  if  my  son  is  not  mistaken, 
the  fruit  is  already  ripe  unto  the  harvest :  I  mean  the  hearts 
and  minds  of  those  two  boys  of  yours,"  added  she,  observing 
Mabel's  puzzled  and  inquiring  look.  "  Bayard  tells  me  that  he 
has  never  seen  lads  more  full  of  early  promise." 

Mabel  colored  with  mingled  modesty  and  pride  at  this  praise 
of  her  own  faithfulness  and  its  results;  and  Bayard,  turning 
round,  hastened  to  confirm  his  mother's  remark,  congratulating 
her  on  the  hopes  which  might  reasonably  be  indulged  in  refer- 
ence to  her  nephews,  with  whom  he  had  evidently  been  most 
favorably  impressed. 

"  Bayard's  animated  description  of  our  young  friends,"  said 
Madam  Percival,  "  interested  and  gratified  me  beyond  meas- 
ure. It  is  evident,  my  dear,  that  the  lads  still  exhibit  the  same 
marked  individuality  of  character  which  distinguished  them  as 
children  ;  but  that,  while  the  good  in  each  has  continued  to  gain 
strength,  both  have  overcome  the  evil  tendencies  w-hich  were 
so  apparent  six  years  ago  as  to  make  me  tremble  for  them  and 
for  you.  As  I  look  back  to  the  day  when  we  sat  on  the  rocks 
at  Niagara,  and  contemplated  the  solemn  nature  of  your  re- 
sponsibility, I  am  disposed  to  feel  no  slight  triumph  in  your 
success." 

"If  you  have  succeeded  in  the  management  of  such  rude 
creatures  as  boys  are,  Miss  Vaughan,"  said  Bessie,  "  I  think 
you  ought  to  write  out  a  theory  of  education,  for  the  benefit  of 
society." 

"  I !  "  said  Mabel,  with  simplicity,  "  indeed,  I  have  had  no 
rules,  no  theory ;  I  sometimes  think  that  the  boys  have  taught 
me  far  more  than  I  have  them." 

"  Her  theory  may  be  laid  down  in  one  word,"  said  Madam 
Percival,  "  she  has  loved  her  little  nephews  ;  love  is  an  inspired 
teacher,  Bessie,  and  one  that  may  be  trusted  in  every  emer- 
gency. It  has  been  Miss  Vaughan's  counsellor  from  the  begin- 
ning. I  am  quite  impatient "  said  she  turning  to  Mabel,  "  for 
the  day  when  you  shall  introduce  these  young  gentlemen  to 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  4G9 

me  once  more.  But  my  clear  girls,"  she  continued  glancing  at 
lu-r  watch,  "if  we  are  going  to  church  this  morning,  it  is  time 
we  were  making  our  preparations  ;  Bayard,  have  you  given 
any  directions  about  the  horses?" 

Bayard  started,  apologized  for  his  absent  mindedness,  for  he 
had  been  for  the  last  few  moments  apparently  lost  in  thought, 
and  hastily  left  the  room.  His  mother  proceeded  to  express 
her  regret  at  the  prospect  of  so  soon  parting  from  Mabel,  and 
at  the  same  time  suggested  the  possibility  of  obtaining  a  longer 
leave  of  absence  from  Helen;  but  Mabel  gratefully,  though 
firmly  declined  prolonging  her  visit,  at  the  same  time  expressing 
the  pleasure  it  had  afforded  her,  and  the  three  ladies  then  sepa- 
rated until  it  should  be  time  to  leave  for  church. 

"  Does  not  Miss  Vaughan  intend  to  return  with  us  Bessie  ?  " 
asked  Bayard  in  a  low  tone  as  he  saw  Mabel's  small  travelling 
box  brought  from  her  room  to  be  placed  in  the  carriage. 

"  No,  of  course  not/'  answered  Bessie,  feigning  great  aston- 
ishment at  the  inquiry;  "she  would  not  have  come  at  all,  if  I 
had  not  taken  care  to  let  her  know  that  you  were  not  at  home." 

Though  uttered  in  a  mocking  tone,  this  reply  effectually  dis- 
concerted Bayard ;  the  expostulations  which  had  risen  to  his 
lips,  at  the  signs  of  their  guest's  departure,  were  instantaneously 
checked ;  he  stood  by  in  constrained  silence,  while  his  mother 
made  one  more  attempt  to  change  Mabel's  resolution,  and  even 
assisted  in  the  convenient  arranging  of  her  luggage  without 
expressing  a  syllable  of  surprise  or  regret.  This  conduct  was 
so  foreign  to  his  usual  hospitality  that  his  mother  could  not  fail 
to  observe  it,  and  Bessie,  whose  heart  was  as  tender  as  her  tongue 
was  tantalizing  felt  a  pang  of  self-reproach,  as  she  observed 
how  completely  her  revengeful  shaft  had  struck  home. 

This  constraint  was  but  momentary,  however,  and  the  drive 
which  succeeded  was  one  of  exquisite  pleasure  to  all  parties ; 
the  softness  of  the  air  and  the  quiet  beauty  of  the  scene  serv- 
ing to  compose  their  minds  to  that  calm,  religious  meditation, 
which  was  suited  to  the  occasion  and  the  hour;  while  for  con- 
versation, Madam  Percival  who  occupied  the  back  seat  with 
Mabel,  gave  her  an  account  of  the  growth  and  prospects  of  the 

40 


470  MABEL    YAUGHAN. 

little  church,  which  was  situated  midway  between  Bayard's 
estate  and  that  of  her  brother. 

Helen  and  Harry  had  arrived  in  advance,  and  were  on  the 
steps  to  welcome  them  and*  to  reclaim  Mabel,  whom  Harry 
boasted  it  was  no  slight  generosity  in  them  to  have  relin- 
quished for  so  long  a  period.  As  the  church  was  situated  at 
the  junction  of  four  different  roads,  in  a  part  of  the  country 
where  the  farms  wrere  large  and  the  population  scattered,  there 
was  but  one  service  during  the  day,  and  that  proportionately 
prolonged.  The  simplicity  with  which  it  was  conducted,  how- 
ever, the  earnestness  of  the  preacher  and  the  attention  of  the 
audience,  made  the  occasion  both  profitable  and  interesting,  and 
effectually  beguiled  Mabel  of  all  sense  of  weariness.  Within 
sight  of  her,  in  a  neighboring  pew,  were  her  humble  friends, 
the  Hopes,  clothed  in  their  Sunday  attire,  and  decked  in  the 
smiles  which  bespeak  cheerfulness  and  content.  Preeminent 
among  them  was  Jack,  now  Mr.  John  Hope,  one  of  the  pillars 
of  the  church  and  the  township ;  his  tall  figure,  modified  feat- 
ures and  shining  suit  of  broadcloth,  rendering  it  difficult  to 
identify  him  with  the  shabby  urchin  of  former  days.  Madam 
Percival's  pew  was  a  little  in  the  rear  of  Harry's,  and  Mabel, 
who  had  followed  her  brother  and  Helen  into  church,  while  the 
old  lady  and  Bessie  were  still  lingering  in  the  porch,  had  for  a 
time  lost  sight  of  her  friends.  Their  vicinity  was  soon  made 
evident,  however,  when  the  congregation  joined  in  the  opening 
hymn ;  for  never  had  the  rich  voice  of  Bayard,  which  had 
power  to  enchain  select  audiences,  and  make  the  wild  prairie 
ring  with  its  full,  clear  song,  sounded  so  melodious  in  Mabel's 
ear,  as  now,  that  it  was  consecrated  to  a  sacred  service  and  led 
the  voices  of  the  multitude  in  a  united  chorus  of  praise. 

The  numerous  vehicles  which  surrounded  the  church  during 
the  service,  had  at  its  conclusion  nearly  all  driven  off,  crowded 
with  occupants,  while  our  little  group  of  friends  still  loitered  to 
bid  one  another  farewell  and  petition  for  a  future  interchange 
of  visits.  Mabel's  box  had  been  transferred  to  Harry's  rocka- 
way,  which  together  with  Mr.  Percival's  carriage  stood  before 


MABEL    VAUCHAN.  471 

the  door,  and  the  horses  being  restless,  the  ladies  made  luisle  to 
exchange  their  last  words. 

"  Bessie  forewarned  me,  Miss  Vaughan,"  said  Percival,  while 
handing  Mabel  down  the  steps,  "  that  it  was  hopeless  to  urge  a 
continuance  of  your  visit  to  my  mother ;  but  as  Harry  and  Mrs. 
Vaughan  give  me  the  freedom  of  their  house,  I  hope  I  may  soon 
have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  again,  in  my  character  of  a 
friend  and  neighbor." 

Mabel  frankly  replied,  that  nothing  would  give  her  greater 
pleasure.  Harry,  who  overheard  the  remark,  endorsed  it  by 
grasping  Bayard's  hand  and  exclaiming  with  generous  warm- 
heartedness,—  "Let  us  see  you  as  often  as  possible  my  dear 
fellow  —  I  have  no  patience  with  that  law  term  which  has  en- 
grossed so  much  of  your  time  of  late  ;"  and  Helen's  sweet  smile 
was  premonitory  of  future  welcomes  on  the  part  of  one  who 
had  none  of  the  jealousy  of  her  husband's  friends  which  is  some- 
times attributed  to  young  wives.  A  moment  more  and  both 
carriages  were  off  on  different  roads,  which  stretched  across  a 
plain  so  level  and  so  uninterrupted  that  at  the  distance  of  nearly 
two  miles  Mabel  could  clearly  distinguish  a  handkerchief  which 
Bessie  was  waving  in  her  hand  as  a  farewell  signal. 

But  Mabel  had  yet  to  learn  what  is  was  to  l}e  a  friend  and 
neighbor  in  the  sense  in  which  Bayard  understood  those  terms. 
Though  for  six  years  a  resident  of  the  West,  which  is  truly  a 
country  of  gigantic  distances,  she  had  never  believed  it  possible 
that  ten  miles  of  space  could  be  so  practically  annihilated,  as 
wras  instanced  during  the  few  following  weeks,  when,  if  Bayard's 
and  Harry's  estates  had  been  but  a  stone's  throw  apart,  they 
could  not  have  been  more  strictly  pronounced  within  the  limits 
of  good  neighborhood.  It  was  not  that  Bayard's  promised  vis- 
its were  regular  or  prolonged,  or  that  the  attractions  of  the 
house  were  suffered  to  interfere  with  the  young  man's  ordinary 
occupations.  On  the  contrary,  his  landed  estate  had  never  re- 
quired more  active  superintendence  than  at  present ;  when  the 
harvesting  was  yet  to  be  completed,  and  those  marks  of  negli- 
gence which  had  escaped  even  the  careful  Owen's  observation 
were  to  be  rectified,  under  the  discriminating  eye  of  the  master  ; 


472  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

while,  in  addition  to  his  cares  at  Lake  Farm,  the  business  of  his 
profession  in  the  neighboring  city  frequently  called  him  thither. 

But,  although  his  agricultural  and  legal  labors  were  per- 
formed with  promptness  and  efficiency,  and  his  mental  and 
physical  powers  were  taxed  to  a  degree  which  would  have 
exhausted  an  ordinary  man,  he  still  found  time  and  opportunity 
for  that  social  enjoyment  which  constituted  his  highest  recrea- 
tion ;  deeming  a  ten  miles  ride,  whatever  might  have  been  his 
previous  fatigue,  a  light  penalty  to  pay  for  half  an  hour's  inter- 
course with  congenial  minds.  It  was  true,  he  came  and  went 
at  such  odd,  uncertain  seasons  —  astonishing  the  household 
equally  by  his  arrival  and  departure  —  that  such  surprises  be- 
came familiar,  and  they  scarcely  realized  the  number  and  fre- 
quency of  his  visits ;  still,  as  they  looked  back  through  the 
weekly  calendar,  they  could  not  but  be  reminded  that  there 
was  scarcely  a  day,  some  portion  of  which  had  not  been  glad- 
dened by  his  cheerful  voice  and  smile.  Whatever  might  be 
the  object  which  called  him  from  home,  he  was  sure  to  take 
them  in  his  way;  and  even  when  summoned  to  the  city,  which 
was  in  the  opposite  direction,  he  more  than  once  contrived  to 
make  a  circuit  which  brought  him  to  Harry's  door;  thus  proving 
the  truth  of  the  old  proverb,  that  "  the  longest  way  round  is  the 
shortest  way  home/'  If  Mabel  went  out  to  ride,  as  she  fre- 
quently did  on  Helen's  white  pony,  still  a  cherished  favorite  of 
its  mistress,  she  was  not  unlikely  to  come  back  attended  by 
their  gallant  neighbor ;  and,  on  one  occasion  —  when  she  had 
accompanied  Harry  into  the  woods  —  and  been  left  by  him  in  a 
shady  retreat  while  he  explored  a  more  distant  part  of  the 
forest,  she  was  unexpectedly  joined  by  Percival,  who  seated 
himself  on  the  pine-strewn  ground  at  her  feet,  caught  up  the 
book  from  which  she  had  been  reading,  and  conversed  with  her 
for  nearly  an  hour  upon  literary  themes,  with  the  air  of  a  man 
never  more  utterly  at  leisure  to  play  the  agreeable;  then 
mounting  his  horse,  which  had  been  fastened  to  a  tree,  rode  off 
to  meet  a  distant  appointment,  at  the  almost  fearful  rate  of  speed 
rendered  unavoidable  by  his  voluntary  delay. 

With  Madam  Percival  and  Bessie,  Mabel's  intercourse  was 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  473 

necessarily  much  restricted  by  the  intervening  distance,  which 
they  could  not  ignore  as  Bayard  did ;  and  except  on  one  or 
two  occasions,  when  Bessie  drove  over  with  her  uncle  and 
passed  an  evening,  and  once  when  Mabel  accompanied  Helen 
to  return  Madam  Percival's  visit,  there  was,  for  a  fortnight  or 
more,  no  personal  communication  between  the  ladies  of  the  two 
households.  It  was  scarcely  possible  to  realize  any  barrier  of 
separation,  however,  so  long  as  Bayard  continued  the  medium 
of  their  reciprocal  friendship ;  and,  although  he  often  made  his 
appearance  under  circumstances  seemingly  fortuitous,  Mabel 
could  not  but  consider  him  as  in  some  sort  the  representative 
of  her  aged  friend,  and  even  attributed  to  her  partiality  many 
of  those  evidences  of  kindness  and  attention  for  which  she  was 
in  reality  indebted  to  him  alone. 

It  seemed,  indeed,  an  understanding  in  the  household,  that 
Bayard's  visits,  and  his  evident  enjoyment  in  them,  should  be 
a  subject  of  no  surprise,  and  should  be  attributed  to  no  partial 
or  ulterior  motive. 

If  Harry  observed  their  frequency  and  questioned  himself  in 
reference  to  their  object,  he  never  betrayed  his  thoughts,  even 
to  his  wife,  merely  remarking  with  an  air  of  self-congratulation, 
"  It  is  so  gratifying  to  be  able  to  return  some  of  Percival's  hos- 
pitalities, and  make  him  happy  in  our  home ! " 

If  Helen,  through  the  power  of  an  exquisite  tenderness,  saw 
more  than  met  the  eye,  and  suspected  far  more  than  she  saw — 
that  same  tenderness  forbade  her,  by  word  or  look,  to  ruffle 
even  the  surface  of  Mabel's  feelings ;  and  remembering  how, 
through  long  years,  her  own  unspoken  attachment  to  Harry 
had  received  a  sister's  silent  sympathy,  she  reverenced  the 
heart's  sacred  secrets,  and  guarded  them  as  if  they  had  been 
her  own. 

And  if  Harry  and  Helen  generously  refrained  from  disturb- 
ing the  quiet  current  of  her  thoughts,  by  so  much  as  an  embar- 
rassing suggestion  or  whispered  inuendo,  Mabel  was  still  less 
disposed  to  interpret  in  her  own  favor,  those  daily  visits  and 
civilities,  which,  however  gratifying  they  might  prove,  she 
deemed  a  valued  privilege  of  the  common  household. 
40* 


474:  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

The  time  had  been,  when  vanity  and  self-love  would  have 
lent  a  more  flattering  construction  to  anything  so  marked  as 
Bayard's  evident  partiality  for  the  society  which  her  brother's 
house  afforded.  But  the  bitter  experience  of  Mabel's  early 
womanhood,  and  the  chastening  influences  of  succeeding  years, 
had  effectually  guarded  her  against  the  indulgence  of  vain  and 
delusive  imaginations  ;  and  it  was  no  part  of  her  present  charac- 
ter, to  assume  for  herself  any  distinction,  or  claim  for  herself 
any  especial  title  to  regard. 

Thus,  while  every  circumstance  of  their  daily  intercourse 
served  to  increase  her  esteem  for  Percival,  and  exhibit  his  per- 
sonal and  social  traits  in  a  new  and  attractive  light,  she  never 
even  dreamed  of  establishing  any  exclusive  ascendancy  over  a 
heart  which  seemed  to  be  world-wide  in  its  benevolent  sympa- 
thies, lie  might  enter  with  animated  and  eager  interest  into 
her  favorite  studies  and  pursuits ;  but  wras  not  this  characteris- 
tic of  him  in  whatever  society  he  might  be  thrown  ?  He  might 
omit  no  opportunity  of  rendering  her  a  service ;  but  was  not 
his  simplicity  of  manner  so  tempered  with  chivalrous  gallantry, 
that  he  would  have  done  the  same  for  the  humblest  of  her  sex  ? 
lie  might  express  no  slight  anxiety  concerning  her  health ;  but 
could  he  do  less  in  the  case  of  one  who  was  at  once  his  friend's 
sister  and  his  mother's  friend?  It  must  be  confessed,  too,  that 
although  leaving  it  wholly  to  Bessie  to  avenge  her  cause,  Mabel 
could  not  quite  forget  the  unfavorable  nature  of  Bayard's  early 
impressions  concerning  her.  And  if  now  and  then  she  expe- 
rienced a  conscious  sense  of  elation,  at  some  involuntary  tribute 
of  praise  from  the  truthful  lips  which  were  guiltless  of  flattery, 
the  emotion  was  instantly  checked  by  the  thought, — "it  is  but 
an  endeavor  to  atone  for  past  censure,  —  a  confession  wrung 
from  him  by  a  sense  of  justice." 

But  while  Mabel  indulged  no  ideal  visions  of  conquest  or  of 
power,  and  was  innocent  as  a  child  of  any  attempt  at  influence 
or  display,  the  friendship,  which  was  the  natural  growth  of 
gratitude  and  respect,  became  daily  more  and  more  an  element 
of  her  being;  and,  in  an  atmosphere  free  from  every  restraint, 
it  was  enjoyed  without  check  or  hindrance. 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  475 

,  it  was  with  unaffected  pleasure  that  she  greeted  Per- 
cival,  with  undisguised  regret  that  she  saw  him  depart;  and 
with  confident,  though  serene  anticipation,  that  she  looked  for- 
ward to  his  speedy  return ;  deriving  calm  enjoyment,  meantime, 
in  the  society  of  Harry  and  Helen,  entering  cordially  into  all 
their  interests  and  schemes,  and  never  attempting  to  analyze 
the  sources  of  that  perfect  contentment  and  repose,  both  of 
body  and  mind,  which  were  gradually  restoring  her  to  her 
wonted  health. 

One  evening,  Harry,  who  had  been  to  the  neighboring  city, 
returned  home  at  so  late  an  hour  that  Mabel  had  already 
retired,  and  did  not  see  him  until  the  following  morning,  when 
they  met  at  breakfast.  "  I  have  news  for  you,  May,"  said  he, 
as  she  entered  and  took  her  seat  at  the  table.  His  face  was 
glowing  with  animation,  and  Mabel,  observing  it,  eagerly  in- 
quired into  the  nature  of  the  tidings. 

"  Nothing  less," 'replied  he,  "  than  the  promise  of  an  exciting 
election.  I  found  every  body  in  the  city  engrossed  with  one 
topic,  which  was  the  nomination  of  a  candidate  for  the  va- 
cancy that  has  lately  been  created  in  Congress  by  the  sudden 
death  of  our  representative.  I  never  witnessed  a  more  excit- 
ing scene  than  prevailed  in  the  convention  yesterday ;  not  as 
usual,  on  account  of  party  conflicts  and  politicaldisputes,  but 
because  the  whole  assembly  were  so  enthusiastic  in  their 
opinions  and  their  choice.  There  seemed  to  be  but  one  heart, 
one  voice,  one  mind  among  them,  and  the  unanimous  vote  was 
welcomed  by  an  almost  deafening  round  of  cheers.  I  only 
wished  the  nominee  could  have  been  present  to  hear  the 
applause  which  accompanied  the  proclamation  of  his  name." 

"  I  hope  he  is  a  worthy  subject  of  their  enthusiasm,"  said 
Mabel. 

"  You  can  judge  for  yourself,"  replied  Harry.  "  He  is  no 
other  than  our  friend  Percival ! " 

It  would  have  been  difficult  to  discover,  amid  the  mass- 
meeting  of  the  day  before,  a  more  deeply  interested  and  de- 
lighted countenance  than  that  which  Mabel  turned  upon  her 
brother  at  this  unexpected  announcement.  There  was  a  dan- 


476  MABEL    YAUGIIAN. 

cing  light  in  her  eye,  and  a  smile  of  proud  satisfaction  in  her 
face,  which  fully  expressed  her  sympathy  with  the  vote  of  the 
people ;  while  her  astonishment  found  expression  in  the  words  : 
"  Is  it  possible,  Harry?  But  I  had  no  idea  that  Mr.  Percival 
thought  of  entering  political  life,  or  that  he  had  any  taste 
for  it." 

"  I  believe  both  his  thoughts  and  his  tastes  to  be  wholly 
averse  to  it,"  said  Harry,  "  and  I  am  by  no  means  sure  he  will 
accept  the  nomination." 

"  That  would  seem  a  pity,"  remarked  Helen,  "  he  would  be 
such  an  honor  to  the  State." 

"  True,"  said  Harry ;  "  there  is  not  a  man  in  the  common- 
wealth who  could  carry  anything  like  his  strength  and  ability 
into  the  counsels  of  the  country.  But,  if  he  relinquishes  his 
present  mode  of  life  to  enter  upon  a  political  career,  I  am  con- 
fident that  it  will  be  at  a  great  personal  sacrifice.  I  was  one 
of  a  delegation  who  waited  upon  him  last  evening,  to  inform 
him  of  his  nomination.  We  found  him  quietly  reading  law  in 
his  office,  and  I  assure  you  he  looked  positively  pained  when 
he  learned  the  object  for  which  he  was  sought.  *  Mr.  S.,'  said 
he  to  the  gentleman  who  was  the  spokesman  of  our  committee, 
'I  was  never  more  completely  surprised,  and,  I  may  almost  say, 
troubled,  than  I  am  by  your  communication.  I  am  very  much 
flattered  at  being  thought  worthy  to  fill  this  vacancy  in  Con- 
gress, but  a  political  office  of  any  kind  is  a  thing  which  I  have 
never  desired,  and  certainly  have  never  sought.' 

"'We  all  know  that,  Mr.  Pcrcival,'  said  Mr.  S.,  'and  that 
is  the  very  reason  -why  we  and  the  district  at  large  will  be 
satisfied  with  nobody  else.  '  Give  us  a  man,'  our  honest 
back-country  people  say,  '  in  whom  we  can  have  confidence  ; 
one  who  would  scorn  to  buy  our  votes,  and  who  will  never  sell 
his  own  conscience  or  the  nation's  rights,  for  any  political  or 
party  bribe.  Give  us  a  man  of  whom  we  can  say,  *  He  will 
support  the  weak,  and  maintain  the  right,  and  be  just  towards 
all !  We  are  united  as  to  measures,  but  wre  are  no  less  so  in  re- 
spectto  him  who  is  to  maintain  them  —  and  we  want  our  man.'  " 

"I    saw  that   Percival   was  moved.     He   passed   Iris    hand 


MABEL    V  A  UGH  AN.  477 

across  that  broad,  white  forehead  of  his,  and  then  rose  and 
walked  up  and  down  his  office.  Mr.  S.  and  some  of  the  other 
gentlemen  continued  to  urge  their  point  in  the  same  strain; 
alluded  to  the  critical  state  of  the  times,  and  the  anxiety  of 
every  thoughtful  mind  to  see  the  district  represented  by  one 
who  had  the  confidence  of  the  people,  and  was  so  universally 
popular  that  he  might  remain  long  in  the  chair  of  office  and  be 
a,  permanent  pillar  of  the  public  welfare. 

"  Percival  listened  respectfully  and  courteously  to  every  thing 
they  had  to  say ;  thanked  them,  and  promised  that  he  would 
inform  them  of  his  decision  to-day." 

"  And  you  think  his  reply  will  be  in  the  affirmative,"  asked 
Helen,  while  Mabel  wore  an  earnest,  thoughtful  expression  of 
countenance,  but  said  nothing. 

"  He  gave  us  no  encouragement,"  said  Harry:  "  and  I  confess 
I  am  at  a  loss  with  reference  to  his  probable  decision.  There 
can  be  no  question  that  great  issues  are  at  hand  in  our  national 
counsels,  and  that,  in  no  generation  more  than  the  present, 
have  such  men  as  Percival  been  needed  at  the  seat  of  govern- 
ment. At  no  other  time,  and  in  no  other  way,  can  his  eloquence, 
wisdom,  moderation,  and  fearless  disinterestedness  be  made  so 
available  for  his  country's  good.  Still,  when  I  remember  his 
passionate  love  for  the  free  life  of  the  West ;  the  enthusiasm 
with  which  he  has  sketched  out  future  improvements  ;  the  ad- 
venturous spirit  with  which  he  undertakes  distant  explorations ; 
the  zest  with  which  he  engages  in  a  sportsman's  pursuits  ; 
and  the  independence  with  which  he  has  ever  held  himself 
aloof  from  the  clash  of  party  strife  and  political  conflict :  I  must 
acknowledge  (and  Harry  shook  his  head  doubtfully)  that  it  is 
hard  to  picture  our  friend  setting  out  for  Washington,  to  be 
cooped  up  for  the  greater  part  of  the  year  within  the  contracted 
limits  of  a  dull  city,  and  condemned  to  the  toilsome  routine 
and  hotly-contested  controversies  of  congressional  duty,  upon 
which,  if  he  engages  in  them  at  all,  he  will  enter  with  all  the 
faithfulness  and  ardor  of  his  nature.  I  confess  that,  viewing  it 
in  this  light,  I  shall  not  wonder  if  he  shrinks  from  the  sacrifice  ; 
—  shall  you,  my  dear?"  and  he  glanced  at  Helen,  inquiringly. 


478  MABEL    VAUGHAX. 

"  I  scarcely  know,"  said  Helen,  as  she  at  this  moment  looked 
up,  while  a  smile  overspread  her  face  which  was  not  intended 
for  her  husband.  "  I  will  not  venture  an  opinion  until  I  have 
heard  him  speak  for  himself." 

"  And  you,  May  ?  "  said  Harry,  who,  not  following  the  direc- 
tion of  Helen's  eye,  failed  to  comprehend  her  arch  and  mean- 
ing smile,  —  "you  know  the  Avhole  story,  and  I  see  by  your 
face  that  your  mind  is  made  up,  whether  Percival's  is,  by  this 
time  or  not.  Will  he  stay  or  go  ?  " 

"  If  I  know  him  in  the  least,"  said  Mabel,  with  a  firm  and 
unhesitating  air,  "  he  will  go  at  any  sacrifice." 

At  this  instant  Harry  caught  tTie  expression  of  Helen's  face, 
and  turned  abruptly  round  in  his  chair.  Mabel  also  looked 
up,  and  directly  behind  her,  in  the  doorway,  stood  Percival, 
his  face  flushed  with  exercise,  his  riding  boots  bespattered  with 
mud,  his  fine  hair  tossed  back  from  his  forehead,  which  was 
resting  on  his  hand,  as  he  stood  leaning  against  the  door- 
frame,—  and  his  eyes,  now  that  she  had  turned  her  face,  fixed 
full  and  expressively  upon  Mabel. 

"  My  dear  friend ! "  exclaimed  Harry,  springing  from  his 
seat  and  grasping  Bayard's  hand,  "you  are  very  welcome! 
You  have  come  to  breakfast,  I  hope ! " 

"  Xo,  not  to  breakfast,  Harry,"  said  Bayard,  glancing  apolo- 
getically at  his  spattered  boots,  and  slightly  resisting  Harry's 
hospitable  endeavor  to  draw  him  to  a  place  at  the  table.  "  I 
scarcely  know  for  what  I  came,  since  I  have  only  a  moment 
to  spare.  Advice,  sympathy,  encouragement,  I  believe,  were 
what  I  felt  the  want  of;  I  have  obtained  them  all,  though 
somewhat  clandestinely,  I  fear,  and  now  I  must  be  on  my  way 
again.  Harry,  have  }rou  the  address  of  the  gentleman  who 
was  the  chairman  of  your  committee  yesterday  ?  I  forgot  to 
take  it,  and  I  must  write  to  him  when  I  reach  home.  —  Yes, 
thank  you,  Mrs.  Vaughan,"  continued  he,  in  reply  to  a  propo- 
sition from  Helen  that  he  should  at  least  take  a  cup  of  hot 
coffee ;  —  "I  will  with  pleasure,  if  you  will  let  me  have  it  stand- 
ing." And  while  Harry  went  to  look  for  the  address,  and 
Helen  ran  to  a  cupboard  in  the  next  room  for  a  cup  and 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  479 

saucer,  he  approached  Mabel,  who,  in  her  confusion,  had  for- 
gotten to  even  bid  him  good-morning,  and  said,  at  the  same 
time  taking  her  hand :  "  I  trust  you  are  not  displeased,  Miss 
Mabel,  at  my  overhearing  your  remark  ;  if  I  had  one  doubt 
left  in  regard  to  my  duty,  you  have  laid  it  at  rest ;  and  believe 
me,  I  will  endeavor  not  to  disappoint  your  kind  confidence, 
for  which  I  am  the  more  deeply  grateful,  that  it  is  far  beyond 
my  deserts. 

"I  should  not  have  spoken  with  such  decision  if  I  had 
known  by  whom  I  was  overheard,"  said  Mabel,  with  a  smile, 
which,  though  embarrassed,  denoted  anything  but  displeasure ; 
"  still,  I  am  not  disposed  to  retract." 

"  You  have  no  need,  in  this  case,"  said  Percival,  "  for  I  will 
prove  your  words  true;  though  since  my  decision  has  your 
approval,  the  sacrifice  will  be  comparatively  light." 

There  was  neither  occasion  nor  opportunity  for  any  further 
remark,  for  Harry  had  by  this  time  returned  with  the  address, 
and  Helen,  also,  brought  the  coffee,  which  Percival  swallowed 
hastily,  then  bade  them  all  farewell,  and  in  a  moment  more 
was  off  on  his  homeward  road. 

"Mabel,"  exclaimed  Harry,  laughing  heartily  as  he  sat 
down  to  finish  his  breakfast,  "  I  think  the  convention  should 
assemble  once  more,  and  tender  you  public  thanks  for  the  spur 
you  have  given  to  their  future  representative.  I  suppose," 
added  he,  "  we  have  seen  the  last  of  our  candidate  for  some 
four  weeks  to  come ;  he  will  be  so  much  occupied  in  view  of 
the  approaching  election."  And  Harry,  for  the  first  time, 
cast  a  mischievous  glance  at  his  wife,  which  the  dear,  kind- 
hearted  Helen  pretended  not  to  see,  and  took  care  not  to 
return. 

But  whether  this  prophecy  of  Harry's  was  made  with  play- 
ful irony,  or  in  all  seriousness,  its  falsehood  Avas  not  loiiix  in 
being  proved ;  for  while  he  canvassed  the  county,  and  brought 
home  daily  reports  of  Percival's  universal  popularity  and  un- 
doubted triumph,  and  Mabel  indulged  prophetic  visions  of  his 
future  eminence  and  usefulness  in  a  public  career,  the  young 
man  himself,  after  writing  his  letter  of  acceptance,  appeared 


480  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

to  give  himself  no  further  thought  in  the  matter;  but,  leaving 
the  fortunes  of  his  election  in  the  hands  of  his  constituents, 
devoted  himself  with  increasing  assiduity  to  these  other  plea- 
sures and  cares,  which  had  their  source  and  centre,  not  in  the 
field  of  political  agitation,  but  in  the  domestic  circle  of  his 
friends.  And,  as  day  after  day  found  him  still  faithful  at  his 
post  of  allegiance,  Harry  and  Helen  were  tempted  to  whisper 
to  one  another,  under  the  strictest  pledge  of  secresy,  their 
mutual  and  growing  suspicion,  that,  though  indifferent  to  pub- 
lic favor,  he  was  the  ambitious  and  self-appointed  candidate 
for  higher  honors  than  the  people  had  power  to  bestow ;  and 
that  he  had  almost  forgotten  his  popular  election,  while  bend- 
ing all  his  powers  to  win  for  himself  the  pre-eminence  in  one 
priceless  heart. 


CHAPTER    XL. 

I  from  the  influence  of  thy  looks  receive 
Access  in  every  virtue,  in  thy  sight 
More  wise,  more  watchful,  stronger,  if  need  were 
Of  outward  strength. 

MILTON. 

IF  there  is  one  season  more  than  another,  which,  in  its 
moving  associations,  appeals  to  the  American  heart,  and  finds 
there  a  sure  response,  it  is  that  of  the  annual  Thanksgiving. 
Originally  a  New  England  festival,  almost  the  only  one 
established  by  our  pilgrim  ancestors,  apd  therefore,  perhaps, 
the  more  highly  honored,  it  has  now  become  a  welcome  and 
hallowed  institution  in  every  part  of  our  wide-spread  land, 
where  New  England's  sons  and  daughters  have  found  a  home. 
Sacred  to  family  and  social  ties,  gathering  the  scattered  mem- 
bers of  the  flock  into  one  fold,  awakening  the  liveliest  emo- 
tions of  gratitude,  and  touching  the  heart's  secret  springs,  it  is 
to  the  young  a  period  of  unmingled  pleasure  and  excitement, 
to  those  in  middle  life  a  time  of  zealous  and  disinterested 
effort  to,  promote  the  common  enjoyment,  and  to  the  old,  a 
season  of  solemn  musings,  touching  memories,  and  immortal 
hopes. 

It  had  been  the  cherished  wish  of  Harry  and  Helen,  as 
well  as  the  expectation  of  the  whole  family,  that  this  anni- 
versary, now  close  at  hand,  should  be  celebrated  at  the  house 
of  the  young  couple  ;  and  their  friends  at  Lake  Farm  had 
been  cordially  invited  to  join  them  there.  But  when  Madam 
Percival  learned  that  old  Mr.  Yaughan,  his  sister,  and  grand- 
sons, intended  to  prolong  their  visit  during  the  whole  of 
Thanksgiving  week,  she  lost  no  time  in  presenting  an  urgent 
request,  that  on  the  actual  day  of  the  festival  she-  might  be 

41 


482  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

permitted  to  welcome  their  united  family  circle  under  her 
son's  roof. 

"  It  is  the  only  way,  my  dear  sir,"  said  she,  in  a  note  which 
Bessie  wrote  to  the  elder  Mr.  Yaughan  at  her  dictation,  "  in 
which  I  can  be  enabled  to  participate  in  the  pleasure  of  the 
occasion,  as  a  recent  attack  of  rheumatism  forbids  my  travel- 
ling at  this  season ;  nor  would  I  suggest  such  an  exposure  to 
yourself  after  your  recent  severe  illness,  but  I  am  assured 
that  you  do  not  fear  to  brave  even  winter  weather,  if  spared 
from  breathing  the  evening  air ;  and,  as  our  accommodations 
are  ample,  we  should  insist  upon  your  all  spending  the  night 
at  Lake  Farm.  It  is  long  since  I  have  been  privileged  to  col- 
lect a  pleasant  circle  about  me  on  this  most  interesting  of  occa- 
sions; but  by  the  memory  which  you,  as  well  as  myself,  cannot 
fail  to  entertain  of  many  happy  Thanksgivings  in  our  New 
England  homes,  let  me  beseech  you  to  make  my  cause  good  in 
your  children's  estimation,  and  gratify  both  my  son  and  myself 
by  your  company  on  Thursday." 

Harry  and  Helen,  upon  the  receipt  of  this  note,  were  dis- 
posed to  resist  such  an  invasion  of  their  claims.  Sabiah  de- 
murred greatly  at  the  thought  of  accepting  an  invitation,  which 
was  none  the  less  formidable  to  the  timid,  retiring  woman,  from 
Madam  Percival's  being  dimly  remembered  as  the  sympathiz- 
ing friend  of  her  girlhood.  Mabel  seemed  a  little  embarrassed 
at  the  idea  of  this  change  in  the  family  plans;  and  the  boys' 
faces  were  full  of  eager  expectancy  and  doubt.  Mr.  Vaughan, 
however,  at  once  put  an  end  to  all  hesitation,  by  exclaiming 
with  cheerful  gallantry,  "We  can  not  possibly  refuse,  Harry  ; 
do  not  say  a  word,  my  dear  Helen,  the  excellent  lady  must 
not  be  disappointed ; "  and  the  honored  head  of  the  house,  hav- 
ing thus  promptly  expressed  himself  in  Madam  Percival's 
favor,  all  acquiesced  in  his  decision,  and  an  affirmative  reply 

as  dispatched  to  the  general  invitation. 

As  if  to  facilitate  the  views  of  all  parties,  and  give  added 

spirit  to  the   events  of  the  day,  a  light  snow  fell  during  the 

previous  night  and  hardened  to  a  smooth,  crisp  surface,  mak- 

ng  admirable  sleighing.    According  to  an  agreement  entered 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  483 

into  in  anticipation  of  a  snow-storm,  Bayard  drove  over  in  the 
morning,  in  a  covered  vehicle  which  had  been  put  on  runners 
the  previous  winter  for  his  mother's  convenience,  and  returned 
wilh  Sabiah,  Mr.  Yaughan,  and  Helen,  while  Mabel,  now 
restored  to  her  usual  health,  accompanied  Harry  and  the  boys 
in  an  open  sleigh  ;  and  all  were,  borne  rapidly  over  the  level 
prairie,  to  the  cheerful  sound  of  bells.  A  warm  house  and 
a  Avarm  reception  awaited  them  on  their  arrival ;  dinner  suc- 
ceeded, with  its  social  joys  and  abundant  good  cheer;  other 
entertainments,  for  young  and  old,  presented  themselves  in 
due  course,  and  the  hours  wore  pleasantly  on. 

It  was  now  twilight  of  the  festive  -day,  and  a  happy  and 
animated  group  were  assembled  in  the  pnrlor  at  Lake  Farm, 
which,  partially  illumined  by  the  long  lines  of  light  that  streaked 
the  western  sky,  and  still  further  cheered  by  the  huge  wood 
fire  which  shed  abroad  its  fantastic  and  fitful  glare,  presented 
a  rare  picture  of  cheerfulness  and  comfort.  In  a  large  arm- 
chair on  the  right,  sat  Mr.  Vaughan,  his  hoary  hair  and  atten- 
uated figure  still  marking  him  as  one  who  had  not  been  left 
untouched  by  time  and  disease,  but  his  face,  glowing  with  a 
peaceful  and  even  joyous  serenity,  which  proclaimed  that  new- 
ness of  life  into  which  the  old  man  had  been  born  again.  Near 
him  might  be  seen  the  venerable  mistress  of  the  household, 
with  her  soft,  white  hands  folded  on  her  lap,  the  snowy  folds 
of  her  muslin  neckerchief,  and  the  flutings  of  her  widow's  cap, 
contrasting  with  her  dress  of  rich  black  satin,  and  her  whole 
attire  adding,  as  far  as  anything  foreign  to  herself  could  add, 
to  the  dignity  and  grace  of  her  noble  person.  Sabiah,  too, 
had  found  her  niche  in  a  corner  of  the  opposite  sofa,  had  re- 
covered from  the  awe  with  which  Madam  Percival  had  at  first 
inspired  her,  and  learning  to  recognize  in  her  the  beloved  Miss 
I»:iyard  of  her  school-days,  had  settled  herself  into  a  composed 
attitude,  and  now  formed  one  of  the  aged  trio,  who  were 
watching  the  more  youthful  members  of  the  company  and  par- 
ticipating in  their  enjoyment. 

They  were  all  in  high  spirits,  having  just  returned  from  an 
expedition  to  the  farm-house  of  Owen  Dowst,  where  they  had 


484  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

been  since  dinner,  according  to  invitation,  to  attend  the  bap- 
tism of  the  little  Rose,  purposely  appointed  for  this  day,  that 
the  occasion  might  be  honored  by  their  presence. 

The  pleasing  incidents  attendant  on  the  ceremony,  the  brisk 
walk  over  the  frozen  and  glistening  snow,  and  their  animated 
satisfaction  in  each  other's  society,  had  given  a  fine  glow  to 
their  faces,  and  loosened  their  voluble  tongues.  Helen,  always 
keenly  sensitive  to  cold,  and  rejoicing  in  the  bright  blaze  which 
greeted  f -.em  on  their  return,  had  seated  herself  on  a  low  foot- 
stool between  Aunt  Sabiah's  corner  of  the  sofa  and  the  wide 
hearth-stone,  and  with  her  hand  locked  affectionately  in  that  of 
her  old  friend,  was  the  very  picture  of  sweet  and  gentle  content. 
In  front  of  the  sofa  stood  Mabel,  her  beautiful  face  lit  up  with 
the  fire-light,  while  she  entertained  her  aunt  with  a  spirited 
account  of  the  afternoon's  proceedings  ;  Alick  on  one  side,  as- 
sisting her  to  deliver  with  faithfulness,  a  torrent  of  respectful 
messages,  of  which  Lydia  had  made  her  the  bearer ;  and  Mur- 
ray, leaning  over  the  arm  of  the  sofa,  and  now  and  then  aiding 
the  interest  of  the  narrative  by  his  graphic  and  witty  allu- 
sions. 

And  while  Sabiah  listened  attentively,  and  uttered  many  an 
ejaculation  of  astonishment,  at  Lydia's  good  fortune,  Bessie,  on 
her  part,  was  exciting  the  gratified  smiles  of  Mr.  Vaughan 
and  Madam  Percival,  as  she  recounted  with  that  spice  of  play- 
ful exaggeration  for  which  every  one  knew  how  to  make  allow- 
ance, the  simple  honors,  which,  in  connection  with  the  christen- 
ing, had  been  paid  to  Mabel,  Bayard,  and  the  boys,  quite  to 
the  exclusion,  as  she  declared,  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harry  Vaughan 
and  herself. 

Harry  and  Percival,  in  the  meantime,  were  stationed  outside 
the  rest  of  the  group,  in  the  recess  of  a  window,  the  latter 
divided  between  his  close  observance  of  Mabel's  varying  ex- 
pression and  his  attempt  to  explain  to  Harry  the  principles  of 
a  new  reaping  machine,  just  invented  by  Mr.  John  Hope,  and 
for  which  the  ingenious  young  man  was  about  to  take  out  a 
patent. 

At  this  moment  horses,  hoofs  were  heard  crackling  the  crisp 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  485 

snow  beneath  their  hoofs,  as  they  came  up  the  avenue ;  and  in 
an  instant  more  a  figure  on  horseback  shot  rapidly  past  the 
window.  It  is  John,  my  man,  said  Harry,  with  no  little  ear- 
nestness in  his  voice  and  manner.  I  sent  him  to  the  city  this 
morning ;  he  has  probably  just  returned."  And  thus  speak- 
ing, he  went  hastily  from  the  room  to  meet  his  messenger, 
leaving  Bayard  at  liberty  to  consult  his  inclinations,  and,  if  he 
pleased,  join  the  little  group  collected  round  the  sofa.  He  did 
not  do  so,  however,  but  remained  immovable  in  the  recess  of 
the  window,  while,  had  the  room  afforded  a  stronger  light,  a 
slight  flush  of  anticipation  and  excitement  might  have  been 
seen  to  mount  to  his  temples ;  for  although  the  rest  of  the 
company  had  either  failed  to  observe  Harry's  messenger,  or 
were  unconscious  of  the  tidings  which  he  brought,  Bayard  him- 
self was  well  aware  that  the  next  moment  would  be  to  him 
one  of  political  defeat  or  triumph. 

No  one  present  was  ignorant  of  the  fact  that  the  previous  day 
had  witnessed  the  casting  of  the  electoral  vote,  in  which  Bay- 
ard had  so  deep  an  interest.  But  it  had  not  been  thought 
possible  that  the  result  could  yet  be  determined  ;  and  although 
all  hearts  beat  with  expectancy,  silence  had,  by  common  con- 
sent, been  maintained  on  the  subject,  and  it  had  been  suffered  to 
interfere  as  little  as  possible  with  the  Thanksgiving  festivities. 

The  committee,  of  which  Harry  was  a  member,  had,  how- 
ever, adopted  such  energetic  measures  for  obtaining  the  returns, 
that,  in  spite  of  the  snow-storm  and  the  obstacle  it  proved  to 
their  efforts,  the  exact  result  of  the  election  had  been  pro- 
claimed in  the  city  less  than  two  hours  before,  and  Harry's 
messenger,  who  was  on  the  spot  for  the  purpose,  had  been  at 
once  dispatched  by  the  chairman,  to  announce  the  intelligence 
to  the  successful  candidate.  The  eagerness  which  shone  on  the 
man's  face,  no  less  than  the  abruptness  of  Harry's  manner  and 
words,  had  at  once  betrayed  to  Bayard  the  nature  of  his  errand ; 
and,  whatever  emotions  this  knowledge  excited,  they  were  still 
in  full  force,  when  Harry,  who  had  apparently  scarcely  had  time 
to  receive  his  despatch  from  the  hand  of  the  man,  rushed  back 
into  the  room,  and,  waving  the  document  triumphantly  above 

41*' 


486  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

his  head,  came  forward,  with  all  the  warm-heartedness  of  friend- 
ship, and  grasped  Percival  by  the  hand,  exclaiming,  "  Let  me 
be  the  first  to  congratulate  you,  my  dear  fellow,  on  this  glorious 
victory !  "  and  then  glancing  at  the  official  communication  before 
him,  he  read  aloud  the  statement  of  Bayard's  election  by  an 
overwhelming  majority. 

The  tide  of  feeling  which  had  agitated  the  hearts  of  the  little 
company,  in  view  of  the  approaching  crisis,  and  which  had 
swelled  to  a  fuller  flood  in  proportion  as  it  had  been  forcibly 
suppressed  all  day,  now  burst  forth  without  restraint ;  and 
Bayard  was  at  once  surrounded  by  eager,  excited  faces,  and 
greeted  on  every  side  by  a  chorus  of  congratulations.  Nor, 
though  seemingly  less  excited  than  the  rest,  was  he  the  man  to 
be  insensible  or  indifferent  to  these  evidences  of  sympathy 
and  affection.  The  popular  demonstrations,  the  eager  accla- 
mations of  the  tumultuous  crowd,  could  have  no  power  to  move 
him,  as  did  these  simple  tokens  of  social  friendship  and  family 
love;  and  he  responded  to  each  with  cordial  and  unaffected 
satisfaction,  while,  as  he  felt  the  soft  pressure  of  his  mother's 
hand,  a  tear  started  to  his  eye,  which  did  no  discredit  to  his 
manhood. 

But  there  was  one  satisfaction,  and  that  the  greatest,  which 
was  wanting  to  him  in  this  his  hour  of  triumph  ;  one  voice,  and 
that  the  one  most  powerful  to  stir  his  soul,  which  alone  was 
silent ;  one  form,  which,  while  all  the  rest  pressed  eagerly  for- 
ward, still  lingered  in  the  back  ground.  Yes,  strangely  enough, 
while  every  one  else  was  emboldened  or  inspired  to  some  char- 
acteristic expression  of  delight,  Mabel,  hitherto  zealous  in  her 
friendly  partizanship,  seemed  to  be  suddenly  struck  dumb. 
Once,  indeed,  as  Bayard's  unsatisfied  eye  wandered  round  the 
little  circle,  it  met  hers,  fixed  full  upon  him,  with  an  eloquent, 
answering  glance ;  but  her  heart  drooped  as  she  encountered 
his  earnest  gaze,  and  the  next  moment  the  whole  face  was  hid- 
den from  him,  as  she  hastily  withdrew  into  the  shadow  afforded 
by  her  brother's  tall  figure. 

Both  the  silence  and  the  quick  retreat  were  involuntary, 
however;  and  if  this  apparent  coolness  and  reserve  were  painful 


MABEL    VAUGHAX.  487 

to  Percival  —  they  were  no  less  so  to  Mabel  herself.  For  a 
few  moments,  indeed,  she  had  stood,  intently  watching  the  coun- 
tenance of  the  young  man,  as  he  received  the  congratulations 
of  the  rest,  quite  forgetful  that  some  similar  demonstration 
might  be  expected  on  her  own  part ;  nor  was  it  until  she 
encountered  his  searching  glance  that  the  consciousness  flashed 
upon  her,  that  she  had  as  yet  given  no  expression  to  her  sym- 
pathy in  the  universal  joy.  She  would  then  gladly  have 
repaired  the  omission  ;  but  the  very  intensity  of  her  emotions 
checked  and  forbade  their  utterance.  There  was  a  quick  beat- 
ing of  the  heart,  which  she  found  it  impossible  to  subdue  ;  and 
her  instinctive  retreat,  beyond  the  outermost  edge  of  the  little 
circle,  was  but  the  natural  impulse  of  a  sensitive  mind,  which 
shrank  from  betraying  its  own  unseasonable  and  vexatious 
embarrassment. 

Here,  secure  from  observation,  she  strove  to  recover  her 
composure ;  nervously  watching  a  favorable  opportunity  for 
addressing  the  hero  of  the  occasion,  and  vainly  endeavoring  to 
frame  her  thoughts  into  suitable  words.  But  while  she  thus 
waited  and  delayed,  a  new  turn  was  given  to  affairs,  Bayard 
was  suddenly  summoned  from  the  room  and  the  opportunity  was 
lost. 

A  delegation  of  citizens  had  just  arrived,  having  come  hither 
to  rejoice  over  their  victory,  and  shake  hands  with  the  popular 
young  representative.  The  confusion  of  tongues  which  had 
prevailed  in  the  drawing-room  was  now  superseded  by  the  loud 
shuffling  of  feet  on  the  verandah,  the  violent  ringing  of  the 
door-bell,  and  the  tumultuous  and  eager  voices  of  the  throng, 
who,  met  by  Bayard  at  the  threshold,  eagerly  tendered  their 
congratulations  and  received  his  acknowledgments  in  return. 
The  sudden  withdrawal  of  both  Harry  and  Percival,  conse- 
quent on  this  arrival,  and  the  sound  of  laughter  and  conversa- 
tion proceeding  from  the  dining-room,  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  hall,  into  which  the  new  comers  had  been  ushered,  had  the 
effect  of  composing  the  little  family  circle  into  a  thoughtful, 
listening  attitude  ;  and  one  after  another  they  resumed  their 
ts,  and  a  comparative  quiet  reigned  throughout  the  room. 


38  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

In  a  retired  corner,  a  little  apart  from  the  rest,  Mabel  mused 
with  her  own  thoughts,  and  gave  ear  to  the  occasional  dialogues 
•vhich  took  place  around  her,  seriously  vexed,  meanwhile,  at  her 
own  inability  to  assume  a  natural  and  unconstrained  air,  and 
wondering  whether,  in  the  general  excitement,  her  own  indi- 
vidual deportment  had  been  observed  and  commented  on. 

No  observation  could  be  more  critical  or  severe,  however, 
than  that  which  she  exercised  over  herself.  "What  is  the 
meaning  of  this,  Mabel  Vaughan  ?  "  was  her  inward  interroga- 
tory. "  Who  can  be  more  pleased  than  you  with  the  result  of 
this  election  ?  You  have  scarcely  thought  of  anything  else  for 
two  or  three  wrecks  past ;  it  has  been  the  object  and  end  in 
which  all  your  hopes  have  been  centred;  nowhere  has  the  young 
candidate  found  a  more  zealous  champion  ;  from  no  one  could 
he  reasonably  anticipate  warmer  sympathy  and  congratulations  ! 
You  certainly  are  very,  very  glad  of  his  success !  Why  not 
tell  him  so,  then,  in  those  frank,  simple  terms  which  are  all  that 
the  occasion  demands,  and  which  would  be  sure  to  be  under- 
stood?" 

Why  not  ?  Indeed,  she  could  not  answer  the  question  satis- 
factorily even  to  herself.  She  would  have  given  worlds,  had 
they  been  at  her  disposal,  rather  than  that  Bayard  should  suffer 
a  defeat.  Still,  the  announcement  was  so  sudden  —  it  involved 
so  much  !  Perhaps  she  realized  more  than  others  the  respon- 
sibility that  rested  upon  the  young  man — the  bias  that  was  to 
be  given  to  his  whole  future  life.  Perhaps  she  took  into  the 
account,  that  it  was  an  event  not  merely  of  private,  but  of 
national  interest.  Why,  otherwise,  should  she  have  experienced 
that  quick  beating  of  the  heart  which  effectually  forbade 
her  utterance  ?  Yes,  she  was  glad,  very  glad,  that  was  a 
question  which  did  not  admit  of  a  doubt.  But  she  could  not 
speak  so  lightly  as  the  rest  did  on  a  matter  of  such  grave  con- 
cern —  she  could  not  so  readily  subdue  the  emotions  which  an 
event  of  such  serious  moment  was  calculated  to  excite. 

The  voice  of  Mr.  Vaughan  was  now  heard  amid  the  general 
silence,  gravely  remarking  to  Madam  Percival :  uThe?<-  political 
constituents  have  snatched  our  young  friend  iiom  lid  ui  aa 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  489 

interesting  crisis;  but  this  little  circumstance  only  illustrates 
the  general  truth,  that  private  friendship  must  yield  to  the  call 
of  public  duty ;  nor  must  we  complain  of  our  personal  loss  in 
view  of  this  election,  since  it  introduces  your  son  upon  an  arena 
where  he  is  sure  to  play  a  worthy  part.  I  congratulate  you, 
Madam,  with  all  my  heart,  upon  the  honors  which  he  has 
achieved  to-night." 

"  I  have  never  coveted  any  higher  honor  for  my  son/'  said 
Madam  Percival,  in  reply,  "  than  that  which  belongs  to  every 
man  who  faithfully  does  his  duty.  I  thank  you  most  sincerely, 
my  dear  sir,  for  your  friendly  sympathy.  But  new  responsi- 
bilities are  a  new  test'of  character  and  ability ;  and,  as  a  parent, 
I  almost  shrink  from  congratulation  until  such  a  time  as  Bayard 
shall  have  proved  that  this  is  indeed  a  true  occasion  for  it." 

"  The  past,  however,  is,  to  a  great  degree,  prophetic  of  the 
future,"  replied  Mr.  Vaughan ;  "  and  you  will  not  forbid  me  to 
wish  you  joy,  that  there  is  in  the  young  man  himself  such  good 
foundation  for  a  people's  confidence  and  a  parent's  hopes." 

"  I  will  not  deny,  sir,"  said  Madam  Percival,  with  a  placid 
smile,  while  her  eye  glistened  with  a  maternal  pride  which 
could  not  be  wholly  concealed,  "  that  now,  as  always,  I  find  in 
this  my  highest  satisfaction;  and,  to  do  Bayard  justice,  I  believe 
that  his  aims  are  pure,  and  his  strength  of  will  indomitable.  I 
pray  God  that  he  may  be  found  as  wise  as  I  know  him  to  Ifc 
brave  and  true." 

"Who  can  doubt  his  fitness  for  every  emergency?"  thought 
Mabel,  as,  while  she  watched  Madam  Percival's  face,  she  felt 
her  own  heart  swell  with  a  pride  none  the  less  deep,  and  far 
more  ardent  than  that  which  now  sent  a  sudden  glow  to  the 
aged  woman's  cheek.  "  Has  he  not  nobly  fulfilled  every  trust 
reposed  in  him  as  counsellor,  brother,  son,  and  friend  !  The 
mother  may  modestly  disclaim  the  laurels  which  yet  await  his 
brow ;  but  what  honor  is  there  in  the  nation's  gift  which  we 
may  not  hope  one  day  to  see  him  wear  ?  How  thankful  we 
should  be,  and  how  rejoiced  we  are,  that  the  public  have  claimed 
him  as  their  representative,  and  have  destined  him  to  an  ele- 
vated and  conspicuous  career." 


490  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

This  thankfulness,  this  joy,  however,  were  not  of  the  ^a 
serene  and  placid  character  as  Madam  Percival's.  Perhaps 
they  were  none  the  less  generous,  none  the  less  sincere,  that 
another,  and  in  some  degree,  rival  emotion,  now  and  then 
asserted  itself,  and  was  only  kept  down  by  the  vehemence  and 
resolution  with  which  Mabel  strove  to  convince  herself  that  the 
occasion  was  one  of  perfect  and  unqualified  satisfaction.  This 
honorable  and  public  service  might  imperatively  summon  its 
votary  from  the  domestic  circle, —  it  might  engross  his  ttme,  to 
the  exclusion  of  all  minor  claims.  She  did  not  need  her 
father's  suggestion,  to  remind  her  that  private  pleasures  may 
sometimes  clash  with  public  duties  ;  for  the  thought  had  flashed 
upon  her  in  the  very  moment  of  Bayard's  victory.  But  what 
then!  Was  there  one  among  his  friends  so  cowardly  as  to 
shrink  from  the  sacrifice  ?  Was  there  one  so  selfish  as  wil- 
lingly to  detain  him  a  moment  from  his  post  ?  one  so  mean  as 
to  estimate  personal  loss  against  the  public  gain?  Reason 
proudly  answered  in  the  negative  ;  but  a  pang  shot  through  her 
heart  at  the  question  ;  a  sigh  was  the  only  audible  answer ;  and 
while  joy  sat  on  her  countenance,  her  spirits  waged  an  inward 
war. 

"I  have  been  in  the  dining-room,  where  the  gentlemen  are!" 
exclaimed  Murray,  approaching  the  spot  where  she  sat,  and 
shaking  in  a  tone  of  exultation.  "  There  are  as  many  as 
fifteen  or  twenty,  standing  round  the  fire,  talking  with  Mr. 
Percival  and  Uncle  Harry.  They  are  all  so  triumphant  and 
delighted  about  the  election !  it's  capital  fun  to  stand  by  and 
listen.  Come,  Al !  come  in  and  hear  them  ! "  and  he  hurried 
his  brother  away. 

"  How  gratifying  the  presence  of  these  friends  must  be  to 
Mr.  Percival ! "  thought  Mabel,  as  through  the  open  door,  by 
which  the  boys  left  the  room,  she  heard  the  indistinct  murmur 
of  voices,  and  pictured  to  herself  the  animated  scene.  "How 
great  must  be  the  zeal  which  prompted  them  to  a  ten  miles  ride 
on  this  wintry  night !  What  staunch  and  true  supporters  they 
will  be  to  him  in  the  future !  How  closely  their  interests  will 
be  allied  to  his !  How  mutually  confidential  will  be  the  rela- 


MABEL    VAUGIIAN.  491 

tions  existing  between  them!  What  a  pleasant  excitement 
their  arrival  adds  to  the  other  events  of  the  evening ! " 

Such  were  Mabel's  sentiments  ;  the  only  sentiments,  at  least, 
which  she  acknowledged,  or  of  which  she  was  distinctly  con- 
scious. Why  then  that  undefined  sadness  which  crept  over  her, 
as  she  mentally  contrasted  the  partially  deserted  drawing-room 
with  the  well-filled  apartment  at  the  other  extreme  of  the  house, 
where  Percival  gave  reception  to  his  political  guests  ?  Why 
that  distinct  remembrance  which  darted  into  her  mind,  of  her 
aunt  Sabiah's  late  denunciation  of  men  engaged  in  public  life, 
and  her  assertion  of  its  proverbial  effect  in  weakening  social 
sympathies  and  ties  ?  Why  the  restless  tapping  of  her  little 
foot  on  the  carpet  as  she  impatiently  awaited  the  departure  of 
the  district  committee,  and  the  sense  of  weariness  and  discon- 
tent with  which  she  mentally  ejaculated — "  How  long  they 
stay ! " — then  secretly  glanced  at  her  watch,  adding,  as  she  did 
so,  "  only  eight  o'clock  !  I  thought  it  had  been  nine." 

These  latter  shades  of  feeling  were,  however,  but  an  under- 
current, and  were  outwardly  veiled  by  her  usual  calm  and 
cheerful  demeanor,  to  which  she  had  been  restored  almost 
immediately  upon  Bayard's  leaving  the  room ;  nor,  whatever 
might  be  the  source  of  her  secret  uneasiness,  could  it  be  attrib- 
uted to  any  conscious  yearning  for  the  society  of  the  absentees ; 
for  when,  a*t  length,  the  gentlemen  from  the  city  took  their 
departure,  and  Bayard  and  Harry  hastened  back  to  the  draw- 
ing-room, she  seemed  disconcerted  rather  than  gratified  by  their 
presence,  and  lost  no  time  in  ensconcing  herself  behind  the  tea- 
table,  in  one  corner  of  the  apartment.  Here,  she  begged  from 
Madam  Percival  the  privilege  of  making  tea  for  the  company, 
an  office  which  she  performed  in  silence  and  with  methodical 
precision ;  nor  did  she  leave  her  place  of  retreat  until  Percival 
was  seated  at  the  piano  in  the  adjoining  library,  and  nearly  all 
the  rest  had  resorted  thither  for  the  enjoyment  of  some  music. 

So  closely  do  national  and  familiar  airs  interweave  them- 
selves with  associations  of  the  past,  that  on  the  anniversary  of 
Thanksgiving  scarcely  any  one  could  fail  to  express  some  pre- 
ference or  ask  for  some  favorite  tune.  Thus  Bayard  was  de- 


492  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

tained  long  at  his  post,  and  Bessie,  whose  catalogue  of  songs 
was  as  exhaustless  as  her  good  nature,  maintained  her  place 
beside  him,  turning  over  the  leaves  of  the  music  book  and 
accompanying  him  with  power  and  spirit,  while  Harry,  as 
occasion  offered,  aided  them  with  his  deep  bass  voice.  Helen, 
to  whom  the  day  had  been  fraught  with  many  a  tender  memory, 
waited  patiently  until  the  rest  were  satisfied,  and  then  in  a 
tremulous  tone  begged  that  Percival  would  open  the  organ  and 
play  upon  it  one  or  two  sacred  anthems  which  her  father  had 
dearly  loved,  a  request  which  Bayard  with  his  usual  prompt 
courtesy  immediately  complied  with. 

Mabel  meanwhile,  still  courting  seclusion,  had  entered  the 
room  with  a  noiseless  step  and  seated  herself  in  an  ample  bay- 
window  at  the  extremity  of  the  apartment,  in  which  sheltered 
nook,  partially  screened  by  some  heavy  old-fashoned  draperies, 
she  might  enjoy  the  music  undisturbed.  Her  attitude  was 
scarcely  that  of  a  gratified  listener,  however,  as  she  sat  gazing 
fixedly  out  on  the  smooth  shining  surface  of  snow,  and  now  and 
then  pressing  her  aching  head  against  the  cool  glass.  Once  or 
twice,  indeed,  she  might  have  been  seen  to  start,  as  if  the  chorus 
of  a  joyous  glee  grated  harshly  on  her  feelings ;  but  with  these 
exceptions,  she  seemed  scarcely  conscious  of  the  protracted  con- 
cert save  as  it  afforded  her  a  welcome  opportunity  of  undis- 
turbed thought  and  repose. 

At  length  there  was  a  pause  in  the  music  and  Mabel,  although 
insensible  to  the  ordinary  conversation  which  had  been  going 
on  around  her,  distinctly  heard  /Harry  remark  to  his  friend,  — 
"  wre  shall  miss  you  sadly,  Percival,  this  winter.  I  suppose  you 
will  be  obliged  to  leave  for  Washington  next  month." 

"I  cannot  tell — perhaps  not  until  January,"  — replied  Bay- 
ard in  an  under  tone,  —  then  added  emphatically  and  with  com- 
pressed lips,  "  perhaps  immediately." 

The  last  word  only  reached  Mabel's  attentive  ear.  It  struck 
cold  upon  her  heart.  Involuntarily  she  repeated  it  to  herself. 
It  seemed  to  give  form  and  shape  to  those  vague  and  undefined 
emotions  which  she  could  not  comprehend  and  would  fain  have 
crushed.  "  Immediately  ! "  was  the  thought  which  forced  itself 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  493 

upon  her  —  "  the  fiat  has  gone  forth,  and  he  must  obey  the  call 
without  hesitation  and  without  delay.  He  must  turn  his  back 
upon  the  home  which  lie  loves  and  the  friends  to  whom  he  is 
so  justly  dear.  They  will  no  longer  hear  his  cheerful  voice  as 
he  enters  the  house  unexpectedly  at  dusk,  nor  listen  to  his 
horse's  feet  as  he  retreats  in  the  distance,  nor  count  upon  his 
aid  when  in  difficulty  or  need,  nor  enjoy  his  books,  nor  have  the 
benefit  of  his  advice.  The  woods  and  prairies  will  moan  him 
in  silence  ;  even  his  horse  and  dog  Will  miss  him  ;  his  departure 
will  spread  a  cloud  over  the  landscape,  only  to  be  dispersed  by 
his  return. 

"  It  is  true  he  goes  on  a  noble  errand ;  he  will  serve  the 
cause  of  humanity  and  the  best  interests  of  his  country ;  he 
will  give  her  his  time,  his  efforts,  his  affections ;  he  will  meet 
with  a  just  reward ;  he  will  be  honest,  beloved  and  happy ; 
but  we  —  " 

Alas,  she  could  deceive  herself  no  longer.  Exultant,  proud, 
and  thankful  she  might  endeavor  to  be  in  this  his  hour  of  triumph ; 
but  she  could  not  be  blind  to  the  fact,  that  the  shadow  which  his 
departure  would  fling  upon  all  nature  was  reflected  most  deeply 
on  her  own  heart;  that  others  might  regret  the  absence  of  a 
friend,  but  that  for  her,  the  sun  of  her  life  Would  be  gone  down. 

As  thus  painfully  self-engrossed  she  peered  tremblingly  into 
that  night  of  the  spirit,  which  was  threatening  to  overtake  her, 
she  failed  to  observe  that  the  library  had  become  well-nigh 
deserted  of  its  occupants,  who  one  by  one  had  received  their 
meed  of  satisfaction  from  the  music  and  had  returned  to  the 
drawing-room.  The  organ  still  gave  forth  the  soft,  long-drawn 
strains  of  a  beautiful  symphony,  and  the  pathetic  minor  tones, 
keeping  pace  with  her  train  of  thought,  were  listened  to 
almost  unconsciously.  Not  until  they  were  suddenly  brought 
to  a  close,  therefore,  and  a  solemn  silence  succeeded  did  she 
become  aware  that  Helen,  who,  overcome  by  the  music,  had 
been  the  last  to  leave  the  room,  had  inadvertently  closed  the 
door  behind  her;  that  the  candles  attached  to  the  organ  were 
extinguished,  and  she  and  the  organist  were  the  sole  inmates  of 
the  quiet  library,  now  lit  only  by  the  pale  light  of  the  moon, 
42 


404  MABEL    VAUGHAN 

which  was  streaming  through  the  window  at  which  she  sat. 
Her  first  impulse  was  to  steal  noiselessly  away ;  her  next,  to 
wait  in  her  place  of  partial  concealment  until  Percival,  who  was 
closing  the  organ  lid,  should  have  preceded  her,  but  both 
schemes  were  rendered  equally  abortive,  for,  so  far  from  leav- 
ing the  room  after  shutting  up  the  instrumeut,  Bayard  folded  his 
arms  and  with  a  deliberate  air  walked  straight  to  the  window 
to  look  out  into  the  night.  She  started  at  his  approach,  and 
with  a  fluttered  air  was  hurrying  past  him  in  silence,  but, 
though  scarcely  less  disconcerted  than  herself  at  his  discovery 
(for  he  believed  her  to  have  spent  the  entire  evening  in  the 
drawing-room),  he  arrested  her  with  the  words,  —  "Do  not 
go,"  —  at  the  same  time  standing  aside  to  let  her  pass. 

She  stopped  —  checked  not  so  much  by  his  words  as  by  the 
power  of  his  mild  blue  eye,  which  was  fixed  upon  her  with  a 
gaze  at  once  penetrating  and  persuasive. 

"  I  did  not  mean  to  intrude  upon  you,"  said  he,  as  she  stood 
hesitating  and  irresolute  "  but  since  I  am  here,  indulge  me  for 
a  moment." 

He  would  have  taken  her  hand  to  detain  her,  but  she  would 
not  trust  it  to  him,  conscious  that  it  trembled ;  and  without 
appearing  to  notice  the  movement  on  his  part,  she  voluntarily 
resumed  her  place  in  the  window. 

"  You  are  the  only*  one  of  my  friends  who  has  not  congratu- 
lated me  to-night,"  said  he,  as  he  seated  himself  beside  her. 
44 1  was  half  disposed  at  first  to  reproach  you  with  indifference, 
but  on  second  thoughts  I  thank  you  rather  for  sparing  me  such 
a  mockery." 

She  repeated  his  last  word  in  a  questioning  tone,  at  the  same 
time  looking  up  at  him  for  an  explanation  of  its  meaning. 

"  Yes,  it  is  a  strong  term,"  continued  he,  with  a  vehemence 
of  manner  unusual  to  him,  "  but  congratulations  from  your  lips 
would  have  seemed  to  me  scarcely  less  than  a  mockery  to-night. 
Others  might  be  blind  to  the  truth,  and  their  well-meant  words 
might  be  both  acceptable  and  sincere,  but  I  would  fain  flatter 
myself  that  you  understand  me  better,  that  you  dome  the  justice 
to  believe,  that  the  events  which  outwardly  wear  a  flattering  air, 


MADKL    VAUGIIAN.  495 

have  caused  me  nothing  but  pain — that  no  sentence  of  exile  or 
banishment  could  be  more  bitter  than  this  unwelcome  summons, 
which  calls  me  away  from  everything  that  is  dearest  to  me  on 
earth." 

There  was  a  tremulous  depth  to  his  voice  as  he  thus  spoke, 
such  as  Mabel  had  never  heard  in  it  before.  It  almost  startled 
her.  She  felt  his  eye  fixed  piercingly  upon  her  ;  but,  without 
daring  now  to  look  up  and  meet  it,  she  faltered  out,  "  Harry 
said  it  would  cost  you  a  sacrifice." 

"  Harry !  What  does  he  know  of  it  ?  What  does  any  one 
know  ?  "  exclaimed  Bayard,  with  an  impetuous,  almost  an  im- 
patient gesture.  "  Who  but  myself  can  measure  the  pang  it 
costs  me?  I  do  not  look  for  sympathy!  I  am  stung  with 
congratulations !  But  you,"  and  his  voice  changed  to  one  of 
almost  feminine  tenderness  and  appeal,  "  you,  who  by  your 
holy  confidence  in  my  sense  of  right  strengthened  me  for  this 
task, — you  will  not  at  least  refuse  to  wish  me  God-speed?" 

"  I  ?  Oh,  no  !  "  replied  Mabel ;  and  then  added,  hesitatingly, 
and  scarcely  knowing  what  she  said,  "  I — I  wish  you  every 
thing  that  is  good." 

"  And  you  will  shrive  me  before  I  go  ?  " 

She  answered  only  by  looking  timidly,  anxiously  up  at  him ; 
then  her  glance  wandered  quickly  round  the  room,  as  if  she 
meditated  making  her  escape. 

"  Yes,  let  this  be  my  confessional,"  said  Bayard,  his  words 
following  fast  upon  one  another,  as  if  he  understood  her  inten- 
tion and  would  not  be  frustrated  in  his  own  purpose.  "  I  may 
not  depart  with  a  light  heart,  but  I  would  at  least  carry  away 
with  me  an  easy  conscience.  I  would  disburden  it  of  a  weight 
which  has  laid  on  it  ever  since  the  evening  we  first  met,  when, 
in  the  blindness  of  a  false  and  hasty  judgment,  I  spoke,  and 
you  overheard  the  unworthy  words,  which  were  repented  of  as 
soon  as  littered.  Can  you,  will  you,  forgive  me  for  the  blind- 
ness, the  presumption,  the  folly  for  which  I  have  never  for- 
given myself?  Can  you  deem  it  a  sufficient  atonement  for 
my  fault,  that  your  first  reproachful  glance  convicted  me  at 
once  of  injustice  and  libel-  that  it  has  haunted  my  memory 


496  MABEL   VAUCHAN. 

ever  since ;  and  that  I  can  not  be  at  peace,  as  long  as  its 
shadow  is  upon  my  heart." 

"  And  is  that  all  ?  "  said  Mabel,  breathing  more  freely,  while 
a  pensive  smile  overspread  her  face,  as  memory,  which  had 
failed  to  treasure  up  the  wrongs  of  that  eventful  evening,  led 
her  back  to  the  contemplation  of  the  never-to-be-forgotten 
benefits  which  Bayard  had  generously  rendered  her  in  her  hour 
of  need. 

"  No,  it  is  not  all,"  exclaimed  he,  with  a  returning  vehemence 
and  fervor,  which  he  struggled  with,  vainly  endeavoring  to  be 
calm.  "  You  overheard  me,  when  I  rashly  undertook  to  inter- 
pret the  character  which  I  had  neither  the  wisdom  nor  the 
charity  to  read  aright.  I  beseech  you,  then,  to  listen — to  have 
patience  with  me — to  believe  me,  when  I  tell  you,  that  the 
lesson  of  goodness,  beauty,  and  truth  which  you  have  been 
teaching  me  ever  since,  is  such  as  to  make  me  ready  to  hide 
my  face  and  exclaim,  '  So,  this  is  your  cold,  artificial,  worldly 
woman  !  Never  trust  yourself  again,  Bayard  Percival.'  " 

"  Mr.  Percival,"  said  Mabel,  her  calmness  partially  restored, 
as  she  saw  how  much  Bayard  was  moved,  "  you  wrong  your- 
self and  me,  when  you  waste  so  much  regret  on  words  spoken 
at  random,  and  forgiven,  I  assure  you,  as  promptly  as  they 
were  truly  atoned  for.  If  my  mind  often  recurs  to  the  evening 
of  which  you  speak,  it  is  not  to  dwell  on  my  own  wounded 
vanity,  but  on  a  kindness  which  touched  me  to  the  heart.  Do 
not  ever  think  of  the  occasion  again,  unless  you  should  some 
day  be  tempted  to  doubt  that  I  know  what  it  is  to  be  grateful." 

Her  voice  shook  and  quivered  as  she  uttered  the  last  syllable  ; 
and,  once  more  impelled  to  take  refuge  in  flight,  she  sprang 
from  her  seat  and  would  have  darted  from  the  room.  But 
Bayard  was  on  the  watch.  Something  in  her  manner  had  led 
him  to  anticipate  the  movement,  and,  starting  up,  he  caught 
her  by  the  hand. 

"  Stay,  Mabel  —  stay,"  cried  he,  in  a  voice  of  deep  emotion, 
while  the  eyes,  usually  so  mild  and  gentle,  seemed  to  emit  a 
burning  light  as  he  fixed  them  full  on  hers.  "  You  must  not 
— you  shall  not  go.  I  have  made  but  half  my  confession  yet. 


MABEL    VAUG1IAN.  497 

Hear  me  for  a  moment  only,  and  then,  if  you  bid  me,  I  will 
depart  and  you  shall  never  see  me  more." 

She  stopped  short — mute,  transfixed,  and  statue-like.  Even 
the  hand,  which  had  shaken  with  a  nervous  tremor,  ceased  to 
flutter,  as  he  held  it  in  his  firm  grasp.  There  was  something 
awful  and  impressive  in  the  agitation  of  this  strong  man,  usually 
so  calm  and  self-possessed ;  and  Mabel's  heart  almost  ceased 
to  beat,  as  she  observed  how  his  broad  chest  heaved,  and  his 
lips  refused  to  give  utterance  to  the  thoughts  which  were  work- 
ing within.  But  when  they  came  at.  last,  those  words  of  pathos 
and  of  power,  they  seemed  to  sweep  through  all  the  chambers 
of  her  soul,  penetrating  to  the  very  seat  of  her  life,  and  telling 
of  a  love  as  mighty  and  strong  as  the  heart  that  had  conceived 
it  was  elevated  and  noble.  With  all  the  simplicity  and  ardor 
of  youth,  with  all  the  eloquence  and  force  of  mature  manhood, 
did  lie  plead  his  cause,  pouring  into  her  ear  the  story  of  a  deep 
and  true  affection,  which  had  implanted  itself  in  the  fibres  of 
his  nature  more  than  six  years  before,  and  had  silently  and 
secretly  taken  root  in  the  gcncrou.;  soil,  to  expand  and  blossom 
at  last  in  the  sunshine  of  her  presence  and  her  smiles. 

"  I  have  loved  my  Western  home  with  a  boyish  enthusiasm," 
exclaimed  he,  at  length,  as  having  poured  forth  the  tale  of  his 
hopes  and  fears,  he  scanned  her  colorless  features,  and  in  their 
marble-like  pallor  and  rigidity  could  not  as  yet  read  his  answer. 
I  have  rejoiced  in  the  freedom  and  independence  of  my  un- 
shackled life ;  I  have  shrunk  from  every  thing  that  had  a  ten- 
dency to  win  me  from  my  favorite  pursuits.  Still,  I  could  have 
broken  away  at  the  call  of  duty ;  I  could  have  looked  even 
exile  cheerfully  in  the  face,  and  dared  fortune  to  do  her  worst, 
glorying  in  my  native  strength.  But  it  is  so  no  longer.  My 
resolutions  are  weaker  than  any  child's ;  my  courage  fails  me 
in  the  most  critical  moment  of  my  life.  I  dare  not  say  but  that  I 
should  have  evaded  the  present  call,  had  not  your  generous 
confidence  urged  me  on.  But  now  there  is  no  drawing  back. 
I  must  break  up  the  habits  and  associations  which  have  come 
to  possess  a  nameless  charm ;  I  must  bid  farewell  to  the  spots 
round  which  your  image  will  forever  cling.  Duty  bids  me 

42* 


498  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

depart ;  and  you,  too,  echo  her  voice.  O  Mabel ! "  His  tone 
was  low,  sweet,  and  full  of  touching  earnestness,  as  he  made 
this  final  appeal.  "  O  Mabel !  must  I  go  alone  ?  " 

The  heart  which  had  seemed  to  stand  still,  while  Bayard 
unfolded,  with  passionate  fervor,  the  indwelling  secret  of  his 
strong  love,  vibrated  with  sudden  motion  as  his  impetuous 
words  thus  gave  place  to  low,  half-whispered  entreaty;  the 
blood  which  had  seemed  to  ebb  away  in  a  cold,  stagnant 
stream,  rushed  back  in  a  warm,  living  current,  and  the  long 
suppressed,  subdued,  and  hidden  emotion  of  Mabel's  soul  was 
stirred  into  sudden  life.  It  was  no  blind  sentiment, —  no  tran- 
sient preference,  which  thus  lay  treasured  in  the  inmost  re- 
cesses of  her  being ;  it  was  a  holy  and  pure  affection,  born  of 
gratitude,  nursed  by  time,  strengthened  by  respect,  and  per- 
fected by  that  union  of  habit,  principle,  thought,  and  feeling, 
which  moulds  two  hearts  into  one.  It  lay  deep,  and  she  had 
concealed  it  well ;  so  well,  that  until  now  she  herself  had  sus- 
pected but  half  its  power.  The  time  had  come,  however, 
when  it  could  be  repressed  no  longer.  She  felt  it  in  the  trem- 
bling agitation  which,  commencing  within,  vibrated  through  her 
whole  frame,  until  she  tottered  where  she  stood ;  she  betrayed 
it  in  the  hot,  rushing  tide  which  suffused  her  neck,  her  cheek, 
her  brow,  with  crimson,  and  tingled  to  her  fingers'  ends.  She 
could  not  speak,  but  she  laid  the  hand  that  was  free  on  the 
hand  which  Bayard  still  firmly  held  ;  he  clasped  tlxjm  both  in 
his,  and  was  a.iSAvered.  The  nervous  agitation  which  caused 
her  to  tremble  like  an  asperi  leaf,  was  subdued  and  tranquilixed 
as  she  felt  herself  folded  in  his  strong  embrace  ;  and  the  heart 
which  had  been  schooled  by  experience,  purified  by  suffering, 
and  ennobled  by  patient  endurance,  realized  that  it  had  found 

at  last  its  true,  its  perfect  earthly  rest. 

******  * 

And  what  did  they  all  say  when  Mabel's  engagement  was 
announced  ?  for  engagements  must  come  out,  and  everybody 
must  say  something. 

It  did  not  come  out  until  the  next  day,  for  Bayard  returned 
to  the  drawing-room  at  length  without  his  promised  bride,  who 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  499 

• 

was  lost  to  the  family  for  the  remainder  of  the  evening.  Mur- 
ray went  to  look  for  her,  being  anxious  that  she  should  witness 
a  brilliant  aurora  which  was  visible  in  the  north,  but  returned 
to  say,  that  he  feared  Aunt  Mabel  had  a  headache,  as  she  did 
not  open  her  room  door,  but  begged  him  to  excuse  her  to 
Madam  Percival  and  the  rest  of  the  company. 

When  she  awoke,  however,  the  following  morning,  she  found 
her  venerable  hostess  sitting  by  her  bedside.  "  Good  morning, 
my  dear  child,  —  my  dear  daughter!"  said  she,  leaning  over 
her,  smoothing  the  hair  back  from  her  forehead,  and  kissing 
her  tenderly.  "  Bayard  has  told  me  all,  —  it  is  as  I  have 
fondly  wished, —  I  could  ask  no  better  comfort  for  my  old  age. 
My  son  will  be  very  happy,  and  you  —  excuse  a  mother's  par- 
tiality, but  you  \vill  have  a  husband  worthy  of  you." 

Mabel  sprang  up  and  threw  her  arms  round  her  dear,  re- 
spected friend.  "  Oh,  the  blessing,"  exclaimed  she,  with  tear- 
ful eyes,  "  of  knowing,  for  the  first  time  within  my  recollection, 
what  it  is  to  claim  a  mother's  love  !" 

"Your  union  with  Bayard,  my  dear,"  said  the  old  lady,  "will 
but  set  a  seal  to  the  compact  which  my  heart  made  with  you 
long  ago.  You  are  mine  by  adoption,  no  less  than  by  his  choice  ; 
it  is  sweet  to  me  to  feel  that  my  affections  went  out  instinctively 
to  meet  the  daughter  soon  to  become  mine  by  a  most  holy  tie  ;" 
and  once  more  pressing  Mabel  to  her  bosom,  she  hastened  from 
the  room,  to  recover  the  composure  which  this  interview  had 
sensibly  disturbed. 

"  Come  with  me,"  said  Mabel  to  Bayard,  who  had  been  pac- 
ing up  and  down  the  hall,  just  outside  her  door,  and  was,  con- 
sequently, the  first  person  whom  she  met  when  she  left  her 
room.  "  Come  with  me  to  my  father." 

The  old  gentleman  was  an  early  riser,  and,  as  Mabel  had 
anticipated,  was  up,  and  sitting  alone  in  front  of  the  library  fire. 
lie  laid  down  his  spectacles  and  book  as  his  daughter  and  their 
youthful  host  entered  the  room  together,  and  gazed  at  them  with 
no  little  surprise,  for  they  had  the  earnest  look  of  persons  with 
a  positive  object  in  view.  Mabel  went  behind  his  chair  and 
whispered  in  his  ear.  He  looked  round  at  her,  half  incredu- 


500  MABEL    VAUGHAX. 

lously,  then  bestowed  an  earnest,  inquiring  glance  on  Percival. 
"  You  will  be  to  her  the  friend  that  she  deserves  ?  "  said  he  at 
length. 

"I  will,  Sir,  with  God's  help,"  answered  the  young  man 
solemnly. 

"  Take  her,  then,"  said  the  father,  rising  from  his  chair,  and 
laying  a  hand  on  the  head  of  each.  "  This  is  unexpected  to 
me,  but  not  unwelcome.  If,  having  been  a  good  daughter  is 
any  security  that  she  will  be  a  good  wife,"  continued  he,  ad- 
dressing Bayard,  "  you  will  never  repent  your  choice.  God 
bless  you  both." 

"  Two  elections  in  one  day,  you  lucky  fellow  !  "  exclaimed 
Harry,  who  came  in  at  the  moment,  and  understood  at  a 
glance  how  matters  stood.  "I  give  you  joy  !  and  I  hope  it  will 
not  be  considered  in  any  degree  disparaging  to  the  district 
which  you  represent,  if  I  remark,  that  I  consider  the  last  vic- 
tory you  have  achieved  greater  than  the  first,  and  a  more  wor- 
thy subject  of  rejoicing,  not  only  for  your  sake,  but,  for  that  of 
my  dear  sister,  and  of  every  one  who  has  her  happiness  at  heart.' 
Though  Harry  addressed  himself  to  Bayard,  his  look  of  affec- 
tion was  fixed  on  Mabel,  whom  he  drew  towards  him  as  he 
finished  speaking,  and  clasped  in  a  fraternal  embrace. 

"  I  hope  you  will  both  be  as  happy  as  we  are,  Mabel  dear," 
whispered  Helen,  who  had  followed  her  husband  into  the  room. 
"  I  can  offer  you  no  warmer  wish." 

Bessie  now  made  her  appearance  in  a  state  of  great  excite- 
ment. She  had  learned  the  news  from  her  grandmother,  and 
her  delight,  which  was,  no  doubt,  extreme,  was  almost  lost  in 
the  excess  of  her  astonishment.  "  I  never  was  so  cheated  in 
my  life,"  exclaimed  she.  "I  am  provoked,  beyond  all  patience, 
to  think  what  a  game  you  have  been  playing  almost  before  my 
face  and  eyes,  —  and  I  as  blind  as  a  bat  to  the  whole  thing ! 
Why  !  is  n't  anybody  else  astonished  ?  I  want  to  know,"  and 
she  gazed  inquiringly  from  one  face  to  another.  "  I  thought 
you  disliked  my  uncle,  Miss  Vaughan,"  said  she  in  an  expos- 
tulatory  tone.  "I  thought  you  had  an  old  grudge  against  him. 
And  so  you,  Uncle  Bayard,  propose  uniting  yourself  to  an  ice- 


MAI5KL    VAUCIIAN.  501 

be rg.  after  all?"  Bayard  smiled.  Bessie  saw  that  her  cut- 
ting allusion  failed  to  exercise  its  accustomed  effect.  "Mabel 
has  forgiven  me,"  said  Percival.  "Your  tongue,  my  little 
Bessie,  has  lost  its  power  to  wound." 

There  was  a  marked  contrast  in  the  manner  with  which  the 
boys  received  the  announcement.  Murray  shouted  with  joy, 
and  civilly  asked  Madam  Percival's  leave  to  give  three  cheers. 
Alick  scanned  Percival's  face  with  as  keen  and  anxious  a 
scrutiny  as  if  he  would  have  pierced  to  his  very  soul,  kissed 
Mabel  impulsively,  rushed  from  the  room  and  (he  was  sixteen 
years  old,  and  a  tall  boy  for  his  age,  but,  nevertheless,  it  must 
be  confessed)  he  wept.  » j)9 

"  Well,  now,"  said  Sabiah,  whom  Mabel  sought,  and  informed 
privately  of  the  event,  "you  don't  mean  so  !  Upon  my  word 
it's  so  sudden  I  don't  know  what  to  think  !  Why,  you  never 
saw  him  more  than  half  a  dozen  times  in  your  life,  —  did  you, 
Mabel  ?  " 

Mabel  confessed  the  frequency  with  which  they  had  met 
during  her  visit  at  Harry's. 

•'  La's  sakes  !  Then  all  the  'time  other  folks  have  been 
electioneering,  and  so  on,  he's  spent  his  time  a  courtin'. 
Well,  he  's  a  fine  young  man  ;  I  never  had  anything  in  the 
world  against  him,  except  his  being  so  mixed  up  with  politics ; 
and  if  he  has  neglected  his  public  interests,  as  they  say,  after 
this  fashion,  to  play  the  agreeable  to  his  lady-love,  I  'm  think- 
ing his  wife  will  never  be  second  best  whatever  may  turn  up ; 
so  I  guess  the  heart  you  've  won  you  're  pretty  sure  to  keep 
against  all  odds  ! " 

And  Sabiah  was  right ;  for  with  Bayard  Percival  to  love 
once  was  to  love  forever. 


CHAPTER    XL  I. 

I  have  seen  one,  whose  eloquence  commanding 
Roused  the  rich  echoes  of  the  human  breast, 
The  blandishments  of  wealth  and  ease  withstanding, 
That  hope  might  reach  the  suffering  and  oppressed 

And  by  his  side  there  moved  a  form  of  beauty, 
Strewing  sweet  flowers  along  his  path  of  life, 
And  looking  up  with  meek  and  love-lent  duty; 
I  called  her  angel,  but  he  called  her,  wife. 

AXON. 

IT  was  near  the  close  of  a  December  day.  Mr.  Vaughnn 
and  his  family  had  been  now  for  some  weeks  re-established «jn 
their  home,  and  Mabel,  who,  amid  manifold  cares  and  occupa- 
tions, had  secured  one  half  hour  of  leisure,  had  seated  herself 
for  the  last  time  at  her  little  desk,  in  front  of  the  familiar 
window  which  commanded  a  view  of  the  wide-spreading  prai- 
rie. The  light  busy  foot  of  Helen  was  astir  in  the  house,  the 
voice  of  Melissa  might  be  heard  now  and  then  in  the  adjoining 
kitchen,  in  the  elated  and  authoritative  tone  of  one  who  mag- 
nified her  office.  The  boys  were  passing  to  and  from  the 
barn,  taking  a  final  look  at  their  favorites  among  the  flocks 
and  herds,  and  giving  their  parting  charges  to  farmer  James. 
Everything  gave  token  of  some  great  event  near  at  hand, 
some  thorough  breaking  up  of  old  ties,  some  grand  migration 
among  the  household.  The  little  sitting-room,  however,  was 
quiet  and  peaceful;  business  and  preparation  might  prevail 
outside,  but  neither  were  permitted  to  intrude  into  this  domes- 
tic sanctuary,  where  Mr.  Vaugban  and  his  sister  sat  in  their 
accustomed  arm-chairs,  before  the  fire,  while  the  old  house- 
dog was  asleep  on  the  rug.  For  a  moment  or  two  Mab-.-l 
retained  a  thoughtful  attitude,  with  her  head  resting  on  h<v 
hand,  her  eyes  now  straying  over  the  wide  winery  landscape 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  503 

without,  now  fixed  with  tender  interest  upon  the  picture  of 
serene  repose  within  the  room  ;  then  taking  up  a  pen,  she  bent 
over  her  desk  and  wrote  the  following  letter:  — 

"  DEAR  MRS.  HERBERT  :  —  When  I  look  back  to  the  days 
of  my  childhood,  there  ever  arises  before  me  the  image  of  one 
dear  friend,  whose  tender  love  and  devoted  care  made  it  a 
blessed  and  happy  portion  of  my  life,  on  which  memory  loves 
to  dwell.  When  I  consider  the  years  which  have  since  inter- 
vened, I  can  not  fail  to  be  reminded,  that  at  every  step  I  have 
been  counselled,  strengthened  and  cheered,  by  the  advice,  the 
warnings,  and  the  lessons  of  this  same  dear  friend ;  and  now 
that  I  am  about  to  enter  upon  a  new  sphere  of  duty,  I  feel  an 
instinctive  yearning  to  still  claim  a  place  in  her  good  wishes, 
her  affection,  and  her  prayers.  You  have  cherished  the  child, 
encouraged  the  woman  —  let  me  bespeak  your  loving  sympathy 
for  the  wife.  It  does  not  become  me  to  say  much  of  him  to 
whom,  to-morrow,  I  expect  to  stand  in  this  new  and  near 
relation.  Some  day,  I  trust,  you  will  see  and  know  Mr. 
Percival,  and  be  enabled  to  judge  for  yourself.  But  if  genuine 
simplicity  and  true  manliness  of  heart  and  life  entitle  a  man  to 
honor,  I  may  well  be  proud  of  the  station  which  he  holds,  both 
independently,  and  in  the  world's  opinion  ;  and  if  strength  of 
Christian  principle  is  the  surest  foundation  for  confidence  and 
trust,  I  may  well  believe  that  the  sentiments  which  he  now 
professes  are  sincere,  and  will  be  lasting.  I  trust  I  have  not 
said  too  much  ;  but  indeed,  dear  Mrs.  Herbert,  my  only  fear  is 
that  I  am  not  worthy  to  be  the  object  of  his  choice  ;  and  it  is 
that  I  may  become  so,  that  I  chiefly  beg  an  interest  in  your 
prayers.  Bayard  (for  you  will  wish  to  know  him  by  his  Chris- 
tian name  also)  is  the  son  of  Counsellor  Percival,  as  he  was 
usually  called,  a  lawyer,  formerly  of  high  standing  in  New 
York  city,  but  now  for  some  years  deceased.  His  widow  is 
still  living,  vigorous  and  active,  although  nearly  seventy-six 
years  of  age.  She,  too,  is  well  known  in  New  York  and  else- 
where, for  the  active  part  she  has  taken  in  every  philanthropic 
and  benevolent  scheme  ;  nor  does  she,  even  at  her  present 


504  MABEL    VAUGIIAN. 

advanced  period  of  life,  feel  herself  excused  from  exertion,  or 
unfitted  for  active  duty.  You  will  realize  this,  when  I  tell  you 
that  she  has  recently  taken  a  house  in  Cambridge,  with  the 
view  of  furnishing  a  home  for  two  of  her  grandsons,  now  stu- 
dents at  Harvard,  and  that  she  has  invited  Alick  and  Murray 
also  to  become  members  of  her  family.  No  proposition  could 
have  been  more  opportune,  so  far  as  the  boys  are  concerned  ; 
for  Alick  hopes  to  be  prepared  for  admission  to  the  University 
at  the  commencement  of  the  next  collegiate  year,  and  Murray 
could  nowhere  pursue,  to  such  advantage,  the  mathematical 
studies  which  are  to  fit  him  for  his  chosen  profession — that 
of  an  engineer.  At  first,  we  all  opposed  the  plan,  fearing 
Madam  Percival  was  assuming  too  much  care ;  but  she  over- 
persuaded  my  father  and  Harry,  convinced  me  that  she  antici- 
pated only  pleasure  from  the  charge,  and  finally  carried  her 
point. 

"  I  could  have  wept,  as  on  my  last  visit  to  Lake  Farm,  Mr. 
Percival's  residence,  she  half  playfully,  half  solemnly,  resigned 
to  me  all  her  responsibilities  there,  at  the  same  time  assuring 
me  that  nothing  but  her  unwillingness  to  leave  Bayard  alone, 
prevented  her  from  carrying  into  operation,  nearly  a  year  be- 
fore, this  cherished  plan  for  the  benefit  of  her  grandsons.  My 
capacity  for  filling  her  honored  place  at  Lake  Farm  is  not  at 
present  to  be  put  to  the  test,  as  Mr.  Percival  has  recently  been 
elected  member  of  Congress  from  this  district,  and  we  are  to 
set  out  for  Washington  immediately  after  the  marriage  cere- 
mony. My  dear  father  will  accompany  us.  I  could  not  endure 
the  thought  of  being  separated  from  him ;  and  he,  on  his  part, 
seems  to  find  pleasure  in  the  prospect  of  a  winter  at  the  seat 
of  government,  where  I  hope  that  the  milder  climate  will 
strengthen  his  constitution,  and  that  the  interest  which  he 
already  begins  to  feel  in  the  debates  will  employ  his  mind 
agreeably.  You  will  be  glad  to  hear  that  he  has  quite  relin- 
quished all  business  and  pecuniary  cares,  and  is  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  a  contentment  and  serenity  which  it  is  delightful  to 
witness.  Aunt  Sabiah  is  to  spend  the  winter  with  Harry  and 
Helen ;  but  next  summer  will,  I  trust,  restore  her  to  me  ;  for 


MABEL    VAUGHAN.  505 

f 

I  shall  never  relinquish  my  claim  to  this  beloved  member  of 
our  family.  It  is  a  fortunate  circumstance  for  us,  that,  after 
half  a  dozen  years  of  persevering  effort,  Melissa  has  at  last 
succeeded  in  bringing  farmer  James  to  the  point.  They  were 
married,  with  no  little  parade  and  ceremony,  during  our  ab- 
sence at  Thanksgiving  time,  and  will  probably  continue  to 
occupy  the  house  and  the  adjacent  land  for  as  many  years  as 
they  see  fit. 

"  To-morrow,  therefore,  will  be  an  eventful  day  to  us  all ;  a 
day  when,  not  I  alone,  but  all  the  rest  of  the  household,  will 
be  called  upon  to  bid  farewell  to  that  Western  home,  which, 
humble  as  it  is,  has  become  to  us  a  dear  and  honored  spot,  and 
will  be  cherished  in  years  to  come,  as  the  blessed  haven  of  rest, 
which  afforded  us  a  safe  and  welcome  shelter  from  the  storm  of 
adversity  and  trial.  Blessings  on  its  bare  white  walls,  its  plain 
brick  hearth,  its  low-roofed  rooms  !  they  have  taught  us  that 
happiness  is  independent  of  ornament ;  that  contentment  brings 
joy  to  the  humblest  fireside;  and  that  love  knows  no  limits  and 
often  expands  the  widest  in  the  narrowest  space.  We  may  go 
the  world  over,  and  view  with  admiration  its  monuments  of 
grandeur  and  pride  ;  but  our  grateful  hearts  can  never  forget 
what  we  owe  to  our  prairie  home. 

"  I  take  great  pleasure  in  the  thought,  that  in  the  approach- 
ing spring  or  summer,  the  claims  of  love  and  duty  will  probably 
call  us  to  New  England.  I  shall  then  hope  to  see  you  once 
more,  my  dear  and  honored  friend.  Meanwhile,  believe  me 
now,  as  ever,  your  tenderly  attached, 

MABEL  VAUGHAN." 

Tn  that  hour  of  sweet  anticipation  and  happy  imagining, 
fancy  might  well  robe  the  future  in  its  fairest  colorings,  but  the 
hope  expressed  in  the  latter  clause  of  Mabel's  letter,  was, 
nevertheless,  destined  to  disappointment.  Not  many  weeks 
after  the  receipt  of  these  welcome  tidings  from  her  beloved 
pupil,  Mrs.  Herbert  met  the  great  summons  which  awaits  all 
the  living,  and  when  Mabel,  at  length,  visited  the  home  of  her 
childhood,  it  was  but  to  weep  over  the  grave  of  this  early 

friend. 

43 


506  MABEL    VAUGHAN. 

Not  less  vain  too,  was  her  fond  trust,  that  change  of  climate 
and  scene  might  tend  to  strengthen  and  prolong  the  life  of  her 
venerable  parent.  Mr.  Vaughan's  health  was  too  much  en- 
feehled  to  admit  of  anything  more  than  a  temporary  improve- 
ment, and,  although  he  rallied  during  the  winter,  and  evidently 
reaped  both  pleasure  and  benefit  from  his  residence  in  "Wash- 
ington, spring  found  him  wasting  under  a  slow  disease,  and 
when  summer  came  he  was  like  a  shock  of  corn  fully  ripe. 
Serenely,  quietly,  peacefully,  however,  his  long  life  drew  to  a 
close;  and  in  his  daughter's  beautiful  Western  home,  sur- 
rounded by  those  whom  he  loved,  soothed  by  their  tender 
offices,  and  sustained  and  cheered  by  a  calm  and  heavenly 

hope,  he  gently  passed  away. 

********* 

"  Harry,"  said  Percival,  one  evening  when  the  two  friends 
were  sitting  on  the  verandah  at  Lake  Farm,  "  I  think  I  have 
heard  you  say  that  you  formerly  knew  Lincoln  Dudley-'" 

"  Yes  ;  1  knew  him  well,"  replied  Harry ;  "  what  of  him  ?  " 

"  I  saw  to-day,  in  looking  over  the  passenger  list,  that  he 
had  sailed  for  Liverpool  in  the  Canada.  Poor  fellow !  he  is 
still  restlessly  striving,  I  suppose,  to  get  away  from  that  worst 
enemy  —  himself." 

"  As  if  it  were  possible,"  responded  Harry,  "  to  break  loose 
at  last  from  the  object  of  nearly  forty  years  assiduous  devo- 
tion !  Or,  if  he  could  succeed,  what  a  void  the  world  would 
necessarily  present  to  the  man  who  never  had  a  hope,  or  an 
aim,  which  had  not  ultimate  reference  to  his  own  benefit." 

"  I  have  seldom  known  a  more  complete  instance  of  per- 
verted and  wasted  powers  than  may  be  witnessed  in  Dudley/' 

said  Percival.  "  J ,  an  old  class-mate  of  his,  gave  Mabel 

and  myself,  last  winter,  a  truly  pitiable  account  of  his  condi- 
tion. It  seems  he  has  become  a  most  wretched  dyspeptic ; 
weighs  his  food  with  scrupulous  exactness,  limits  himself  in 
respect  to  exercise  and  fresh  air.  and  analyzes  his  physical 
symptoms  with  morbid  accuracy.  His  once  brilliant  intellect 
is  thought  to  be  seriously  impaired,  and  there  is  every  prospect 
of  his  becoming  a  complete  hypochondriac." 


HABEL    VAUGHAN.  507 

"Indeed!"  exclaimed  Harry;  "  what  a  melancholy  picture 
his  case  presents!  What  an  object  of  compassion  he  has  be- 
come ;  and  what  a  warning ! " 

"  Yes,"  replied  Percival,  "  there  could  be  no  more  striking 
proof  of  the  fact,  that  refinement,  self-culture,  and  polished 
address,  are  worse  than  useless,  unless  accompanied  by  earnest 
faith,  manly  purpose,  and  generosity  of  heart.  Dudley  was 
at  one  time  my  father's  ward,  and  an  occasional  inmate  of  his 
house.  I  well  remember  the  admiration  which  his  talents  and 
accomplishments  excited  in  me  as  a  boy ;  and  I  have  often 
heard  my  mother  regret  the  selfishness  and  vanity  which  had 
been  early  encouraged  in  him,  and  which  were  so  fostered  ic 
succeeding  years  as  effectually  to  steel  him  against  her  own 
and  my  father's  counsels.  He  is  an  example  of  a  class,  un- 
fortunately too  common  in  the  world,  who  with  the  fairest  pros- 
pects before  them,  nevertheless  make  shipwreck  of  their  own 
fortunes,  and  exert  an  influence  upon  others  as  disastrous  and 
fatal  as  it  is  fascinating  and  insidious." 

"  How  he  wrould  once  have  ridiculed  such  a  specimen  of 
humanity  as  he  now  presents ! "  said  Harry,  musingly. 

"  Yes,"  said  Bayard ;  "  but  '  where  fools  may  laugh,  wise 

men  can  only  weep.'  " 

******* 

As  if  to  prove  the  fallacy  of  earthly  longings,  and  manifest 
the  mysterious  working  of  God's  providence,  in  less  than  a 
year  after  Mr.  Vaughan's  death,  the  long-talked-of  road  —  to 
which  the  old  man's  thoughts  had  in  vain  turned,  as  the  iron- 
bound  link  between  his  past  and  his  preseir  rortunes,  the  path- 
way to  better  days,  the  only  hope  for  his  own  and  his  children's 
future  —  ceased  to  be  the  vision  of  soaring  imaginations,  and 
became  a  solid  reality.  The  schemes  and  plans  which  had 
wearied  the  brain  of  the  hoary  man,  and  the  failure  of  which 
had  well-nigh  broken  his  heart,  were  at  length  brought  to  a 
successful  fulfilment,  without  the  aid  of  his  mediation  ;  and  the 
waste  lands  of  the  wilderness  became,  in  time,  a  noble  patri- 
mony to  Harry,  the  young  Leroys,  and  Mabel.  Not,  however, 
until  Harry's  good  resolutions,  his  firm  self-control,  his  patient 


508  31ABEL    VAUGHAN. 

industry,  had  been  tested  by  years  of  privation  and  labor;  not 
until  Alick  and  Murray,  one  in  classical  pursuits,  and  the  other 
in  more  practical  studies,  had  won  their  meed  of  praise,  nobly 
iv.-isting  the  temptations  of  youth  and  laboring  with  the  ardor 
inspired  by  necessity  and  self-dependence;  not  until  Mabel, 
amid  the  cares  which  she  assumed  as  a  wife,  and  the  responsi- 
bilities attendant  upon  a  new  scene  of  action,  had  proved  her- 
self worthy  of  a  man  whose  aims  were  as  exalted  as  his  life 
was  useful ;  and  not  until  her  noble  husband  had  found,  amid 
competence  and  frugality,  a  happiness  to  which  money  could 
bring  no  increase,  and  had  earned  among  his  fellow-men  a  high 
and  honorable  position  to  which  wealth  could  add  no  dignity. 

To  follow  Mabel  in  her  after  career  would  be  to  anticipate 
the  future.  Her  lot  is  but  that  of  humanity ;  and  time,  while  it 
serves  to  ripen  and  perfect  her  joys,  must  bring  with  it  changes, 
anxieties,  and  sorrows.  It  may  lead  her  through  pleasant  and 
flowery  paths ;  it  may  call  her  to  mount  the  hill  of  difficulty, 
and  drink  the  bitter  waters  of  affliction ;  but  may  we  not  have 
faith  to  believe,  that  every  circumstance  and  every  change  will 
serve  to  minister  to  her  final  peace,  and  that  earth's  short  pil- 
grimage will  prove  the  pathway  to  an  eternal  rest?  Yes,  to 
her,  as  to  all  who  early  learn  life's  holiest  lesson,  pleasure  is 
henceforth  sanctified,  anxiety  relieved,  and  pain  and  disappoint- 
ment robbed  of  their  bitterest  sting ;  while,  alike  amid  the  sun- 
shine and  the  storm,  the  purified  heart  sees  God, — sees  Him 
not  only  as  the  Almighty  Judge,  but  as  the  Infinite  Father,  the 
source  whence  all  those  sweet  affections  flow  which  illume,  and 
strengthen,  and  redeem  the  world :  and  seeing  Him,  believes 
that  all  the  varied  dispensations  of  His  providence  are  alike 
good,  since  all  flow  from  the  hands  of  One  who  afflicts  but  in 
mercy,  who  wounds  but  to  heal,  and  who,  amid  all  life's  varied 
discipline,  is  ever  proving  to  the  eye  of  Faith  that  His  banner 
over  us  is  Love. 


T  1 


fsi<n 


YB  73426 


M555075 


•>r^Wi^ 


